Dental Assistant in Maine
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for ME
How to Become a Dental Assistant in Maine
To become a licensed Dental Assistant in Maine, individuals typically pursue either a Dental Radiographer license or an Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA) license through the Maine Board of Dental Practice. While an Entry-Level Basic Dental Assistant does not require a state license, both Dental Radiographers and EFDAs must be at least 18 years old, hold a high school diploma or GED, and pass the Maine Board of Dental Practice Jurisprudence Exam. EFDAs also need current CPR certification and either DANB CDA certification or a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) license, along with completing a Board-approved EFDA program. Reciprocity is available for EFDAs from other states who meet Maine's requirements and have practiced for three consecutive years.
Dental Assistant Requirements in Maine
| Detail | Maine |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Maine Board of Dental Practice |
| State License Required | No |
| Education | High school diploma or GED. For Dental Radiographer license: successful completion of a dental radiologic technique and safety course with an exit examination approved by the Board OR passing the DANB Dental Radiologic Technique and Safety Examination. For Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA) license: high school diploma or GED, current CPR certification, current DANB CDA certification or Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) license, and successful completion of a formal program in EFDA approved by the Maine Board of Dental Practice at a CODA-accredited program or equivalent. |
| Exam | Maine Board of Dental Practice Jurisprudence Exam (required for Dental Radiographer and EFDA licenses); DANB Dental Radiologic Technique and Safety Examination (for Dental Radiographer license, if not completing a Board-approved course); DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) (for EFDA license, if not a RDH). |
| Renewal | Every 5.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 50.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Maine has different designations for dental assistants: Entry-Level Basic Dental Assistant (no state license required), Dental Radiographer (state license required), and Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA) (state license required). All dental assistants must be at least 18 years old. CPR certification is required for EFDAs and Dental Radiographers. A criminal background check is required for licensure. The jurisprudence exam passing score is 85% for Dental Radiographers and 90% for EFDAs. |
Source: Maine Board of Dental Practice
License Tiers
Maine offers multiple tiers of dental assistant licensing:
| Tier | Hours Required |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (unlicensed) | N/A |
| Licensed Dental Assistant | N/A |
| Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA) | N/A |
Dental Assistant Salary in Maine
The median dental assistant salary in Maine is $51,340 per year, which is 8.5% above the national median of $47,300.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $40,830 |
| 25th | $47,620 |
| 50th (median) | $51,340 |
| 75th | $60,150 |
| 90th (experienced) | $63,190 |
Maine employs approximately 1,450 dental assistants.
Dental Assistant Job Outlook
AI Impact on Dental Assistants
Low AI Exposure (Score: -0.53/1.00)
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
Is Becoming a Dental Assistant in Maine Worth It?
Factors to consider: Maine's cost of living, the lack of a state license requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.