Maryland Dental Assistant License
Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners
Total Fee
$200
Processing Time
4 to 6 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 — $200
How to Apply
-
Create a Maryland OneStop Portal Account ▾Navigate to the Maryland OneStop Portal and create a new account or log in if you already have one.
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Start the Dental Assistant Application ▾Access the Dental Assistant Application page on the Maryland OneStop Portal and click 'Apply' to begin the process.
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Complete the Online Application Form ▾Fill out all required sections of the application form, providing accurate personal, educational, and professional information.
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Upload Supporting Documents ▾Upload all necessary documentation, which may include transcripts, proof of certifications (e.g., DANB exams), and radiography competency documentation, as specified on the Maryland OneStop Portal.
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Pay the Application Fee ▾Submit the required application fee of $50.00 through the Maryland OneStop Portal using an accepted payment method.
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Submit and Monitor Application Status ▾Review your entire application for accuracy, submit it electronically, and regularly check the Maryland OneStop Portal for updates on its status.
Total Fee
$200
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Contact the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners for current transfer requirements.
Steps
-
Submit Your Application ▾Apply through the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners. The application fee is $200.
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Provide License Verification ▾Maryland 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.
-
Provide Radiography Certification ▾Proof of radiography competency/certification required for taking x-rays.
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Complete Fingerprinting and Background Screening ▾Maryland 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 Maryland can add 2-4 weeks to your processing time.
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Await Board Processing ▾Plan for a processing timeline of about 4 to 6 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
Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners
Keeping Your License Active
Maryland Dental Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $200 |
| Endorsement application | $200 |
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.
Maryland-specific note
▾
Maryland may require verification of specific expanded functions training, and documentation from out-of-state programs is often delayed.
Questions
Does Maryland require a dental assistant license?
▾
Yes, Maryland requires Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) through the state board.
Is DANB certification recognized in Maryland?
▾
Yes, DANB CDA certification is recognized and often preferred by employers in Maryland.
Can I take dental x-rays in Maryland?
▾
Yes, but a radiography permit or certification is required.
How much does it cost to become a dental assistant in Maryland?
▾
State application fees are $200. Additional costs may include DANB CDA exam ($450), radiography certification, and background check fees.
Board Info
Sources