Maine Dental Assistant License
Maine Board of Dental Practice
Total Fee
$271
Processing Time
2 to 4 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
What You'll Need
- Proof of Training — Certificate from CODA-accredited program or documentation of on-the-job training hours.
- DANB Certification — Official CDA certification from the Dental Assisting National Board, if applicable.
- Radiography Certification — Proof of radiography competency/certification required for taking x-rays.
- Fingerprint background check — through IdentoGO (IDEMIA)
- Application fee — $271
How to Apply
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Meet Eligibility Requirements ▾Ensure you meet one of Maine's pathways to licensure: either completion of a CODA-accredited dental assisting program OR 24 months (3500 hours) of full-time clinical dental assisting experience, AND successful completion of the DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) and Infection Control (ICE) exams. Alternatively, holding a DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification fulfills the examination requirement.
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Register for an Account ▾Navigate to the Maine Professional & Financial Regulation Online Services portal and click 'Register a new account' to create your applicant profile, setting up your username and password.
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Complete Online Application ▾Log in to the Maine Professional & Financial Regulation Online Services portal, select 'Dental Assistant' as your profession, and initiate a new application, carefully filling out all required sections.
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Submit Supporting Documents ▾Upload all necessary supporting documentation, such as official transcripts from your CODA-accredited program, DANB exam score reports, and employer verification forms, directly through the Maine Professional & Financial Regulation Online Services portal or arrange for official submission where required.
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Pay Application Fee ▾Submit the non-refundable $20.00 application fee electronically through the Maine Professional & Financial Regulation Online Services portal to finalize your application submission.
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Await Board Review ▾After submitting your complete application and all required documents, the Maine Board of Dental Examiners will review your materials. You may be contacted for additional information if needed.
Total Fee
$271
Processing Time
2 to 4 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Contact the Maine Board of Dental Practice for current transfer requirements.
Steps
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Submit Your Application ▾Apply through the Maine Board of Dental Practice. The application fee is $271.
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Provide License Verification ▾Maine requires official verification of your active out-of-state license. This must be sent directly to the board from your current state board or its official online verification system before your file can be considered complete.
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Provide Proof of Training ▾Certificate from CODA-accredited program or documentation of on-the-job training hours.
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Provide DANB Certification ▾Official CDA certification from the Dental Assisting National Board, if applicable.
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Provide Radiography Certification ▾Proof of radiography competency/certification required for taking x-rays.
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Complete Fingerprinting and Background Screening ▾Maine requires a criminal background check for all applicants. Out-of-state applicants can use IdentoGO Out-of-State Live Scan OR FD-258 hard card via mail. Completing prints outside Maine can add 2-4 weeks to your processing time.
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Await Board Processing ▾Plan for a processing timeline of about 2 to 4 Weeks once your file is complete. If you need to start working immediately, most states do not offer temporary practice authorization during the endorsement process. Contact the state board directly for current policies on practice authorization while your application is pending.
Total Fee
Contact board
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Maine Board of Dental Practice
Keeping Your License Active
Maine Dental Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Maine Board of Dental Practice for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $271 |
| Endorsement application | $271 |
Slow Downs
Fingerprinting delays
▾
Out-of-state prints can add 2-4 weeks to your timeline.
Missing or incomplete documents
▾
Have all your documents ready before starting the application to avoid processing delays.
Application errors
▾
Double-check that your name matches across all documents exactly. Mismatches are a common reason for delays.
Maine-specific note
▾
Maine may require verification of specific expanded functions training, and documentation from out-of-state programs is often delayed.
Questions
Does Maine require a dental assistant license?
▾
Yes, Maine requires Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA) through the state board.
Is DANB certification recognized in Maine?
▾
Yes, DANB CDA certification is recognized and often preferred by employers in Maine.
Can I take dental x-rays in Maine?
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Yes, but a radiography permit or certification is required.
How much does it cost to become a dental assistant in Maine?
▾
State application fees are $271. Additional costs may include DANB CDA exam ($450), radiography certification, and background check fees.
Board Info
Sources