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

Radiography Requirements

A dental assistant in Maryland 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:

1. Be at least 18 years of age, AND

2. Be of good moral character, AND

3. Hold a high school diploma or its equivalent, AND

4. Successfully complete a Board-approved course of at least 24 hours related to Maryland dental radiology, AND

5. Pass the national DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam or Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam, AND

6. Apply for state certification to the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners. See Maryland Dental Radiation Technologist Requirements brochure for full details.

Note: An individual holding an active radiology license or certification in another state may apply for Maryland Dental Radiation Technologist Certification by Waiver of Examination 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, Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners-approved course in infection control.