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Dental Hygienist
Total cost: $325
Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
Associate's degree minimum from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program
Degree Required
Required
NBDHE
Required
Clinical Exam
$325
Total Initial Fees
30 hrs
CE Hours
Allowed
Local Anesthesia
Associate's degree minimum from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program Program must be CODA (Commission on Dental Accreditation) accredited. Program length: 2-3 years.
Pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). Format: 350 multiple-choice items: discipline-based component (200 items) + case-based component (150 items, 12–15 patient cases); computer-based via Pearson VUE. Passing score: 75. Exam fee: $560.
Pass a clinical board examination. Maryland accepts: CDCA-WREB-CITA, CRDTS, SRTA.
Pass the Maryland dental jurisprudence exam. Maryland Dental Jurisprudence Examination. Passing score: 75.
Obtain current CPR/BLS certification, pass a criminal background check, LA/N2O/medication administration Board recognition ($50 combined), Temporary 90-day license available while background check pending.
Submit your application to the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners. Application fee: $275. License fee: $50. Total initial fees: $325.
Renew your license every Biennial (2 years). 30 CE hours required. Renewal fee: $182.
CE Hours Required
30 hours
Per biennial (2 years) renewal cycle
Renewal Cycle
Biennial (2 years)
Required CE Topics
2 topic areas
2 hours infection control (mandatory), 2 hours abuse/neglect recognition (mandatory)
Renewal Fee
$182
Degree Required
CODA-Accredited Program Required
Program Details
2-3 years
Program Length
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Required
NBDHE (National Board)
Required
Clinical Exam
Required
Jurisprudence Exam
National Board Exam (NBDHE)
VerifiedExam Name
National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE)
Passing Score
75%
Exam Format
350 multiple-choice items: discipline-based component (200 items) + case-based component (150 items, 12–15 patient cases); computer-based via Pearson VUE
Clinical Exam
VerifiedAccepted Clinical Exams
Jurisprudence Exam
VerifiedExam Name
Maryland Dental Jurisprudence Examination
Passing Score
75%
Overall licensing difficulty: 15/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
NBDHE (National Board Dental Hygiene Exam)
Browse study guides
Dental Hygiene Exam Prep Books
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
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Study guides and practice tests for the NBDHE licensing exam.
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Official Title
Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH)
Requirements
CODA-accredited degree, NBDHE (75 passing), clinical exam (CDCA-WREB-CITA, CRDTS, or SRTA), jurisprudence exam, CPR, background check
Supervision
General supervision
Additional Requirements
Permitted Procedures
VerifiedAllowed
Local Anesthesia
Allowed
Nitrous Oxide
Not Allowed
Restorative Duties
Not Allowed
Laser Use
Notes
LA permitted (infiltration and block) with Board recognition; N2O permitted with Board recognition and dentist must be in office; single $50 fee covers LA + N2O + medication administration permits combined; no restorative or laser privileges
Permitted Supervision Arrangements
VerifiedGeneral Supervision
Dentist authorizes procedures but need not be present
Direct Supervision
Dentist must be present in the facility
Indirect Supervision
Dentist has authorized procedures and is available
Unsupervised Practice
Hygienist can practice independently without a dentist
Notes
General supervision for standard hygiene duties; direct supervision required for N2O administration; Maryland does NOT allow direct access practice
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Initial application fee | $275 |
Exam Fee NBDHE fee paid to JCNDE/ADA | $560 |
License Fee Combined LA/N2O/medication administration permit fee | $50 |
Renewal Fee Biennial renewal | $182 |
Total Initial Fees Application $275 + LA/N2O/med admin $50 (excludes NBDHE exam fee) | $325 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
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Renewal & CE Requirements
VerifiedBiennial (2 years)
Renewal Period
30 hrs
CE Hours Required
CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$182
Biennial renewal; late fee $150
Regulatory Board
Dental hygienist licenses must be renewed on schedule. Most states require continuing education covering infection control, CPR/BLS, ethics, and clinical topics relevant to dental hygiene practice.
For a deeper dive into CE requirements and deadlines, see our dental hygienist license renewal guide.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
Reciprocity Type
Endorsement
Transfer Details
$275 (COMAR §.02F: Application fee for dental hygienists licensed in another state = $275)
Additional Requirements for Transfer
Dental hygienist license reciprocity varies by state. Many states offer licensure by credentials or endorsement for hygienists with active licenses in other states, though additional exams or documentation may be required.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Maryland with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
CPR/BLS Certification Required
Background Check Required
LA/N2O/medication administration Board recognition ($50 combined)
Temporary 90-day license available while background check pending
Single $50 fee covers LA + N2O + medication administration permits combined (unusual); temporary 90-day license available while background check is pending; no expanded or independent practice designations
Maryland issues RDH license only -- no expanded or independent practice designations available.
A single $50 fee covers LA + N2O + medication administration permits combined, which is unusual among states.
A temporary 90-day license is available while background check is pending.
LA includes both infiltration and block anesthesia with Board recognition.
N2O administration requires dentist to be present in office (direct supervision for N2O).
Late renewal fee is $150.
Dental hygienist scope of practice is expanding rapidly across states. Direct access, local anesthesia, nitrous oxide administration, and restorative functions vary significantly by state and may have changed since this data was last verified. Always confirm current scope with your state dental board.
Dental Hygienist requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland (you) | $325 | 112–226 wks | |
| District of Columbia | — | 112–226 wks | → |
| Delaware | $210+ | 112–226 wks | → |
| Pennsylvania | — | 112–226 wks | → |
| Virginia | — | 112–226 wks | → |
Other professional licenses in Maryland
See how Maryland compares: Dental Hygienist License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Related Guides
Compare dental hygienist requirements across all states →
Dental Hygienist licensing requirements nationwide →
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How does Maryland compare to other states for dental hygienist? See the full comparison →
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Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Maryland.
Dental Hygienist Schools in Maryland
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Moving to Maryland? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Dental Hygienist license to Maryland →
Transfer your Dental Hygienist license from Maryland to: Delaware → | Pennsylvania → | Virginia → | West Virginia → | District of Columbia →
Maryland requires a Associate's degree minimum from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program from a CODA-accredited program. The NBDHE is required. Dental hygienists may administer local anesthesia. All licensing is managed through the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state dental board.