Maryland Dental Assistant Requirements

Each state has different requirements for dental assistants. This page includes links to all the information you need to understand the requirements for dental assistants in this state. View the different dental assisting levels, along with the requirements for each. You can also view the allowable duties at each level.

Maryland Requirements

Dental Assistant Levels and Requirements

Radiography

Dental Assistant

Dental Assistant Qualified in General Duties

Dental Assistant Qualified in Orthodontics

Expanded Function Dental Assistant (New Law Effective 10/1/2022; Rules Pending)

Expanded Function Dental Assistant Requirements

**Note: The Maryland Legislature passed a law in 2022 (HB 968) authorizing the creation of a new expanded function dental assistant (EFDA) level who may perform specified expanded functions. The new EFDA categories will replace the Dental Assistant Qualified in General Duties or Orthodontics titles detailed in this document. Although the effective date of the law is 10/1/2022 and the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners has drafted rules to implement this new law, the new rules are not yet finalized and effective. Until the effectiveness of the new rules, the current requirements for the Dental Assistant Qualified in General Duties or Orthodontics titles remain in effect.

To perform specified intraoral procedures under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist, a dental assistant must obtain a state Expanded Function Dental Assistant certificate.

To qualify, one must:

1. Be at least 18 years old and of good moral character
AND

2. Be a high school graduate or have attained a high school equivalency 
AND

3. Successfully complete a course of study approved by the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners related to the intraoral procedure for which the applicant has applied for a certificate 
AND

4. Hold the appropriate certification from DANB
AND

5. Pass an examination provided by the board
AND

6. Submit to a criminal background check, apply to the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners, and pay applicable fee