Dental Hygienist in Maryland
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MD
How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Maryland
To become a licensed Dental Hygienist in Maryland, you must complete a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program, which typically takes 2-4 years. You'll need to pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), a regional or state-approved clinical examination (such as ADEX or CDCA-WREB-CITA), and the Maryland Jurisprudence Exam. The licensing body is the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners, and the initial application fee is $275. Maryland offers licensure by endorsement for out-of-state applicants and is exploring an interstate compact for dental and dental hygiene licensure.
Dental Hygienist Requirements in Maryland
| Detail | Maryland |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Associate degree in Dental Hygiene from a CODA-accredited program |
| Exam | National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), the ADEX clinical exam, and the Maryland Jurisprudence Exam |
| Application Fee | $275 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 30.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | CPR certification is required and does not count towards CE hours. A 2-hour Board-approved course on abuse and neglect is required every other renewal cycle. Renewal is biennial on the licensee's birth month. Minimum age for dental hygienists is not explicitly stated, but dentists must be at least 18 years old. |
Dental Hygienist Salary in Maryland
The median dental hygienist salary in Maryland is $105,140 per year, which is 11.5% above the national median of $94,260.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $97,110 |
| 25th | $100,640 |
| 50th (median) | $105,140 |
| 75th | $109,840 |
| 90th (experienced) | $119,110 |
Maryland employs approximately 3,780 dental hygienists.
Dental Hygienist Job Outlook
Is Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Maryland Worth It?
Factors to consider: Maryland's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, and your personal career goals.