Dental Hygienist in Maine
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for ME
How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Maine
To become a licensed Dental Hygienist in Maine, applicants must complete an Associate degree or higher in Dental Hygiene from a CODA-accredited program. They must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), a Board-approved clinical exam (such as ADEX or CDCA), and the Maine Jurisprudence Exam. The licensing body is the Maine Board of Dental Practice, and the application fee is $211.00, which includes a criminal background check fee. Maine also offers pathways for Independent Practice Dental Hygienists and has recently joined the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact, which will facilitate license portability with other compact states.
Dental Hygienist Requirements in Maine
| Detail | Maine |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Maine Board of Dental Practice |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Associate degree in Dental Hygiene from a CODA-accredited program |
| Exam | National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), a Board-approved clinical exam (such as ADEX or CDCA), and the Maine Jurisprudence Exam |
| Application Fee | $211 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 30.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | CPR (BLS) certification is required. Renewal is by December 31 of even-numbered years. Maine offers opportunities for Independent Practice Dental Hygienist (IPDH) licensure, which requires additional education and experience. Maine has also joined the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact, which will allow for license portability with other participating states once fully implemented. |
Source: Maine Board of Dental Practice
Dental Hygienist Salary in Maine
The median dental hygienist salary in Maine is $88,700 per year, which is 5.9% below the national median of $94,260.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $79,120 |
| 25th | $81,500 |
| 50th (median) | $88,700 |
| 75th | $94,390 |
| 90th (experienced) | $100,580 |
Maine employs approximately 1,000 dental hygienists.
Dental Hygienist Job Outlook
Is Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Maine Worth It?
Factors to consider: Maine's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, and your personal career goals.