Allied Health World Home |  Dental Assistant |  Dental Assistant in Maryland |  Become a Dental Assistant in Maryland - MD

| | More

Become a Dental Assistant in Maryland - MD

By allied health world contributing writer
Published: January, 23 2010

There are currently 5,310 registered dental assistants in Maryland. Dental assistants and dental hygienists work alongside dentists, primarily in dental offices, assisting with a variety of tasks and procedures. Part-time and flexible hours are also part of the appeal of these jobs.

Entry-level dental assistants in the state of Maryland are not required to complete any specific education or training. They are primarily on-the-job trained, but also limited in the duties they can perform. Dental Assistants Qualified in General Duties are allowed to perform expanded functions, as listed by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). In order to become a dental assistant in Maryland, one must:

1. Be at least 18 years of age
2. Be of good moral character
3. Hold a high school degree or its equivalent
4. Complete a board-approved training program (minimum of 35 hours)
5. Pass the Maryland General Dental Assisting Expanded Functions (MDG) exam administered by the DANB or pass the DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam
6. Apply to the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners for state recognition as a Dental Assistant qualified in General Duties.

While it is not required that expanded duty dental assistants earn status as a dental radiation technologist, it is recommended and is required if dental assistants, on any level, want to operate radiological equipment. For more information on how to gain state certification in radiology, contact the DANB at wwwdanb.org. Dental assistants who wish to become qualified in orthodontics must also complete a training program, pass exams and apply to the state dental board for recognition.