Licensure, Registration, and Renewal Requirements
What this domain tests
Licensure pathways, examinations, biennial renewal, continuing education, registration of dental assistants, and reinstatement.
Core rules
- Dentist: accredited DDS or DMD program, passing the INBDE or NBDE, Maryland jurisprudence examination, and current CPR.
- Hygienist: accredited dental hygiene program, NBDHE, Maryland jurisprudence, and CPR.
- Dental assistants: basic chairside assisting does not require a dental license; expanded-function assistants and those exposing radiographs must hold the Board-required certification or registration.
- Licenses renew biennially. Maryland dentists must complete 40 hours of continuing education per two-year cycle; hygienists 30 hours. Include required infection-control hours and any current opioid-prescribing hours.
- Reinstatement after expiration may require late fees, proof of CE, and an explanation of inactivity; practicing while expired is unlicensed practice.
Worked example
An applicant passed the INBDE and has a job offer but has not taken the Maryland jurisprudence examination. The Board cannot issue the license. The employer may not let the applicant treat patients as a dentist; the applicant may only perform duties allowed to an unlicensed assistant. After passing jurisprudence and CPR, the license can be issued.
Traps
Treating jurisprudence as a formality; assuming out-of-state CE is automatically accepted; missing the renewal window and continuing to practice; confusing registration with licensure.