Dental Assistant Requirements in Maryland

March 1, 2024
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By: Natalie Kaweckyj, LDA, RF, CDA, CDPMA, COA, COMSA, CPFDA, CRFDA, MADAA, BA

Are you looking to become a dental assistant or are moving as a current dental assistant? Make sure to check the dental assistant requirements in Maryland to see if you are still qualified in the state to practice.

Each state has different requirements for dental assistants, here are the levels, and functions permitted for dental assistants in MD.

Levels of Dental Assistants in Maryland

  1. Dental Assistant
  2. Dental Assistant Qualified in General Duties
  3. Dental Assistant Qualified in Orthodontics

1. Dental Assistant

A dental assistant in MD may perform basic supportive dental procedures specified by the state Dental Practice Act under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist.

There are no education or training requirements for this level of dental assisting.

A dental assistant working under the general supervision for a sealant program must do all of the following:

  • Maintain American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers (BLS) OR American Red Cross CPR for Professional Rescuers;
  • Have at least 400 hours of dental assisting clinical practice in dental patient care;
  • Successfully complete a Board-approved course of at least two hours in infection control with OSHA protocol, or be Qualified in General Duties or Orthodontic Duties (see requirements below), or hold current DANB CDA or COA certification;
  • Enter into a written agreement with the supervising dentist setting forth the terms and conditions of practice under general supervision;

2. Dental Assistant Qualified in General Duties

To perform expanded functions in Maryland, a dental assistant must register as a Dental Assistant Qualified in General Duties.

To qualify one must:

Note: While not required by law, it is recommended that a Dental Assistant Qualified in General Duties also earn status as a Dental Radiation Technologist (see requirements above).

3. Dental Assistant Qualified in Orthodontics

To perform orthodontic functions in the state of Maryland, a dental assistant must register as a Dental Assistant Qualified in Orthodontics.

To qualify, one must:

Radiography Requirements in MD

To legally operate dental x-ray equipment and perform dental radiographic procedures in MD, a dental assistant in MD must be state-certified as a Dental Radiation Technologist in order to operate dental x-ray equipment and perform dental radiographic procedures. This must be performed under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist.

To obtain this state certification, one must meet all the following criteria:

Note: An individual holding an active radiology license or certification in another state may apply for Maryland certification if he or she has engaged in practicing dental radiation technology for at least 150 hours in the three years preceding application and meets any ADA or federal requirements. In addition, beginning in 2011, all Dental Radiation Technologists seeking to renew or reinstate their certificates shall have completed a two-hour, MD State Board of Dental Examiners-approved course in infection control. Bias Training for 2023

Additional Resources:

Photo by Lavdrim Mustafi

Natalie Kaweckyj

Natalie Kaweckyj

Natalie Kaweckyj, BA, LDA, CDA, RF, CDPMA, COA, COMSA, CPFDA, CRFDA, MADAA, is a senior moderator of the Dental Peeps Network and a past president of the ADAA.

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