Dental Hygienist / Maine
2026 data Maine board official source

Maine 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 Maine data shows for Dental Hygienists

Maine sets the entry bar for dental hygienists at 2,527 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 Maine's licensing regime, which classifies the training track as "Associate or Bachelor of Science Degree".

The initial price tag is $82, and renewal costs $54 every 2 years. Maintaining the license requires 24 hours of continuing education per 2-year cycle, an ongoing cost applicants often underestimate when budgeting the career.

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

Licensing Requirements in Maine

Education / Training Hours
Associate or Bachelor of Science Degree
2,527 hours
Exam Requirement
NBDHE (National Board Dental Hygiene Exam)
Required
Initial License Fee
$82
Renewal Fee
$54
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
24 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years

Compare & Explore

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Dental Hygienist in Maine? ▼
In Maine, the license path calls for 2527 education/training hours, a passing score on NBDHE (National Board Dental Hygiene Exam), and a $82 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Dental Hygienist in Maine? ▼
Certification as a dental hygienist in Maine means clearing the state's checklist: 2527 hours of education, and a passing exam score. The Maine licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Dental Hygienist license to Maine from another state? ▼
Here's how reciprocity typically plays out for dental hygienists: Dental Hygiene Compact: 20+ states. Many occupations are additionally covered by interstate licensing compacts that ease cross-state moves. Check with the Maine licensing board for how this applies to you.
Does Maine require a background check for Dental Hygienist licensing? ▼
Maine does require a background check before issuing a dental hygienist license. What counts as disqualifying, and how it's reviewed, is up to the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Dental Hygienist in Maine? ▼
Maine ties continued dental hygienist licensure to 24 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $54 renewal fee.

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.