Dental Hygienist / Maryland
2026 data Maryland board official source

Maryland Dental Hygienist License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

Requirements, fees, and renewal timing for this license, sourced from state board records.

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Provides preventive dental care and examines patients for oral disease.

What the Maryland data shows for Dental Hygienists

Maryland sets the entry bar for dental hygienists at 3,162 training hours and a passing score on NBDHE (National Board Dental Hygiene Exam). A background check is a standard part of the process, and applicants must be 18 or older. The credential is administered under Maryland's licensing regime, which classifies the training track as "Associate or Bachelor of Science Degree".

Budget $257 to get started, plus $149 at each renewal on a 2-year cycle. Renewal isn't the end of the cost: 24 hours of continuing education are due every 2-year cycle, a recurring time commitment worth planning for.

Reciprocity for this profession works like this: Dental Hygiene Compact: 20+ states.

Licensing Requirements in Maryland

Education / Training Hours
Associate or Bachelor of Science Degree
3,162 hours
Exam Requirement
NBDHE (National Board Dental Hygiene Exam)
Required
Initial License Fee
$257
Renewal Fee
$149
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
24 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years

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Compare all states for Dental Hygienist All Maryland licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Maryland licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Dental Hygienist in Maryland? ▼
Maryland requires 3162 education/training hours, passing an exam (NBDHE (National Board Dental Hygiene Exam)), and an initial fee of $257. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Dental Hygienist in Maryland? ▼
To become a licensed dental hygienist in Maryland, you must meet the state's requirements including 3162 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Maryland licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Dental Hygienist license to Maryland from another state? ▼
For dental hygienists, the reciprocity landscape looks like this: Dental Hygiene Compact: 20+ states. Many professions are also covered by interstate licensing compacts that facilitate portability between states. Contact the Maryland licensing board to confirm how it applies to your specific credential.
Does Maryland require a background check for Dental Hygienist licensing? ▼
Yes, Maryland requires a criminal background check as part of the dental hygienist licensing process. Disqualifying offenses and review criteria are determined by the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Dental Hygienist in Maryland? ▼
To stay licensed as a dental hygienist in Maryland, plan on 24 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $149.

Related Guides

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.