How to Get Your Dental Hygienist License in Maryland (2026)

## How to Become a Registered Dental Hygienist in Maryland Maryland offers one of the most lucrative dental hygienist markets on the East Coast, driven by the Baltimore metro, the dense Washington DC suburbs (Montgomery County, Prince George's County, Anne Arundel County), and the federal government's enormous healthcare footprint. Competition for experienced hygienists is real, and the state's licensure requirements reflect a rigorous but achievable bar. ### Step 1: Complete an Accredited Dental Hygiene Program Maryland requires graduation from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program. In-state options include the University of Maryland School of Dentistry (Baltimore) — one of the premier programs in the Mid-Atlantic — Community College of Baltimore County (Catonsville), and Allegany College of Maryland (Cumberland). Some applicants complete programs in Virginia, Pennsylvania, or Delaware and apply to Maryland for initial licensure. The University of Maryland's program is particularly well-regarded for its research exposure, community health partnerships, and access to the UMMC dental clinic patient population. Two-year AAS programs at community colleges provide a faster, more affordable entry pathway. ### Step 2: Pass the NBDHE All Maryland RDH applicants must pass the NBDHE (350 questions, approximately **$450** fee). JCNDE transmits passing scores directly to the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners. There is no additional Maryland state written examination beyond the NBDHE. ### Step 3: Pass a Clinical Examination Maryland accepts the **ADEX** (American Board of Dental Examiners) dental hygiene clinical examination. ADEX testing sites are available at dental schools throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast. The examination evaluates live-patient periodontal assessment, scaling and root planing, radiographic technique, and patient education components. Maryland does not accept CRDTS scores. Confirm the current list of accepted examinations on the Maryland Board's website before scheduling, as accepted exam formats can be updated. ### Step 4: Apply for Your State License The **Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners** issues all RDH licenses. Submit your application through the Maryland Department of Labor licensing portal: 1. Completed application form 2. NBDHE passing score (transmitted by JCNDE) 3. ADEX passing score (transmitted by ADEX) 4. Official dental hygiene program transcript 5. Application fee of approximately **$100–$150** 6. Current CPR/BLS certification 7. Criminal background check (Maryland requires fingerprint-based background screening) Maryland requires dental hygienists to complete a **Maryland Jurisprudence Examination** covering the Maryland Dental Practice Act, licensing regulations, and scope-of-practice requirements. This is taken in addition to the NBDHE and must be passed before the license is issued. Allow time to study the Act before scheduling the jurisprudence exam. ### Continuing Education Requirements Maryland RDHs must complete **30 hours of continuing education every two years**, which includes a specific **opioid and pain management education** requirement (at least 1 hour per renewal cycle, as mandated by state law). Other recommended topics include: - Infection control and sterilization - HIPAA compliance - Ethics in dental hygiene practice The Maryland Dental Hygienists' Association, University of Maryland CE programs, and ADHA national courses all provide Board-approved hours. Online CE is accepted for the non-mandatory portion. Retain certificates for at least five years — Maryland actively audits CE compliance at renewal. ### Maryland Dental Hygienist Salary Ranges Maryland hygienists earn well above the national median, particularly in the DC suburbs: | Setting | Typical Annual Range | |---|---| | Private practice (DC suburbs) | $76,000 – $100,000 | | Private practice (Baltimore metro) | $68,000 – $92,000 | | Corporate DSO | $64,000 – $86,000 | | FQHC / community health | $62,000 – $80,000 | | Federal / government dental clinic | $68,000 – $90,000 | Government dental clinics in the DC metro — Department of Defense, NIH, VA — offer federal pay scales with full benefits, stable scheduling, and pension contributions that make total compensation highly competitive. ### Top Employers for Dental Hygienists in Maryland - **Aspen Dental** — multiple locations in Baltimore, Bowie, Waldorf, Rockville, and Hagerstown - **Heartland Dental** — supported practices across the Baltimore and DC suburb markets - **Johns Hopkins Hospital Dental Clinic** — academic medical center setting, Baltimore - **University of Maryland Medical System** — hospital dental integration across the state - **Chase Brexton Health Care** — Baltimore FQHC with dental services, NHSC loan repayment eligible - **National Institutes of Health Clinical Center Dental Clinic** — Bethesda, federal employment - **Walter Reed National Military Medical Center** — Bethesda, military dental staff positions - **Private solo and group practices** — the dominant employer across the Baltimore suburbs, Annapolis, Frederick, Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, and the Eastern Shore