Licensure, renewal, and continuing education requirements
Earning and keeping a license
Maryland dental hygiene licensure generally requires graduation from an accredited dental hygiene program, passing the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, passing the Maryland jurisprudence examination, current CPR certification, a criminal background check, and a completed application with fees. The Board issues the license and may deny it for fraud, unprofessional conduct, or failure to meet qualifications.
Renewal and CE
Maryland uses a biennial renewal cycle. Hygienists must complete the continuing education required for the cycle, including board-specified infection-control hours and any ethics hours required that cycle. A common planning figure is 24 CE hours per two-year renewal, but always confirm the current COMAR total and topic mandates before submitting. Keep certificates and course documentation; the Board may audit. Late renewal can require a penalty fee, and practicing after expiration is unlicensed practice even if renewal is later approved.
Worked example
A hygienist completes 24 hours of CE, but 10 hours are office-management courses not accepted by the Board and she has no infection-control hours. She renews late and sees patients before the new license issues. The CE deficiency can block renewal; the late fee applies; and the patient care before licensure can support an unlicensed-practice complaint. She should not work until the license is active.
Traps that cost marks
Do not assume any CE topic counts. Do not confuse completion of CE with timely renewal. Do not practice on an expired license while a renewal is pending.