Guides · Careers · 5 min read
How to Become a Dental Assistant in Maryland
By Elizabeth Carr, DHA · 5 min read
Maryland requires state certification as a Dental Radiation Technologist before a dental assistant may operate x-ray equipment. Expanded functions such as coronal polishing and placing sealants require separate board certification on top of that. Common duties for assistants include chairside assisting and taking radiographs. Verify current rules with the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners before enrolling in any course.
Maryland requires state certification as a Dental Radiation Technologist before a dental assistant may operate x-ray equipment. Expanded function certification requires a board-approved course and a DANB examination. This guide comes from DentalReady's fifty-state requirements research: what you can do from day one in Maryland, the certifications that expand your duties, and the realistic path in. Rules change, so the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners link at the bottom is always the final word.
What you can do from day one
Maryland practices hire entry-level assistants and grow their duties with training. The table below lists duties the state allows dental assistants to perform, with training or certification requirements noted where they apply.
| Allowed duty |
|---|
| Chairside assisting |
| Taking radiographs (dental radiation technologist certification) |
| Coronal polishing (expanded function certification, to remove stain or biofilm with a prophylaxis) |
| Applying topical fluoride (sealants require expanded function certification) |
| Taking impressions |
| Placing and removing rubber dams |
Certifications and X-rays in Maryland
State certification as a Dental Radiation Technologist is required to operate x-ray equipment. It takes a board-approved course of at least 24 hours in Maryland dental radiology plus a pass on the DANB Radiation Health and Safety or Certified Dental Assistant exam. Expanded function certification takes a separate board-approved course of at least 35 hours plus a DANB examination.
CPR certification required.
The fastest realistic path
Step 1: Build real preparation first: instruments, procedure flow, infection control, and patient communication, so a hiring dentist sees you as useful in week one.
Step 2: Apply to entry-level and willing-to-train postings across Maryland, and ask each practice which certifications they sponsor.
Step 3: Complete the certifications above as your duties grow, starting with radiography, and confirm every requirement with the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners.
Common questions
Do dental assistants need a license in Maryland?
Maryland requires dental assistants to hold a radiography certification. Radiography certification required.
Can dental assistants take X-rays in Maryland?
You need state certification as a Dental Radiation Technologist, working under direct supervision. It requires a board-approved course of at least 24 hours in Maryland dental radiology and a pass on the DANB Radiation Health and Safety or Certified Dental Assistant exam. Many assistants complete this after being hired, often with employer support.
Where do I verify Maryland's rules?
The Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners publishes the current duty lists and certification requirements for dental assistants. Check it before enrolling in any course.
Walk into your first interview already knowing the room.
Start your preparationSources
Written by Elizabeth Carr, DHA, Program Director, DentalReady; former Dental Hygiene Department Chair, UMMC School of Dentistry
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