How to become a Dental Hygienist in MD
If you are interested in training to become a dental hygienist in Maryland (MD) you will need to graduate from an accredited dental hygiene school.
Requirements for entry into accredited programs in Maryland include a high school diploma or equivalent and, depending on the school, you may need to pass entrance exams and complete an entry interview. Medical and legal clearances may also be required.
Below we provide details of the top accredited dental hygienist programs in Maryland
, as well as licensing requirements and salary and employment data for the state.
Take the first step and request curriculum, admissions and tuition information from your preferred dental hygiene schools in your area.
Accredited Dental Hygienist Schools Maryland
| School | Area | More Information |
|---|---|---|
| The Community College of Baltimore County, Essex | Baltimore | Learn More |
| University of Maryland School of Dentistry | Baltimore | Learn More |
| Baltimore City Community College | Baltimore | Learn More |
| Howard Community College, Columbia | Columbia | Learn More |
| Allegany College of Maryland, Cumberland | Cumberland | Learn More |
| Hagerstown Community College | Hagerstown | Learn More |
| Fortis College | Landover | Learn More |
Schools offering dental hygiene programs which have been accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) are recognized to maintain a high standard of education by the American Dental Association (ADA).
There are currently 7 CODA-accredited programs in Maryland.
Once you have graduated from an accredited program you will be required to sit some additional state and/or national certification exams before you are eligible to apply for your dental hygienist license.
Maryland Dental Hygienist License Requirements
Once you have successfully graduated from an accredited dental hygienist school in MD and have passed all additional certification exams it is a requirement of Maryland law that you obtain a license to work as a dental hygienist there.
The Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners governs the licensing of dental hygienists in Maryland. You can contact the Board directly using the contact details below:
State Board: Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners
Phone: (410) 402-8500
Website: http://www.dhmh.state.md.us/dental
Dental Hygienist Salary in Maryland
| Salary | $85,890 |
| Hourly Wage | $41.29 |
| Bottom 10% of Earners | $62,020 |
| Top 10% of Earners | $103,850 |
| # Employed | 3,230 |
The average dental hygienist salary in Maryland is $85,890 – 15% above the national average of $74,680.
This represents an hourly wage of $41.29.
There are currently 3,230 persons employed as dental hygienists in the state.
Maryland Dental Hygienist Employment and Salaries by Metro Area
It is a great time to train to become a dental hygienist in Maryland given the strong salary levels and jobs growth for the career.
Dental hygiene salaries are among some of the highest in the healthcare industry and it is projected that an additional 30,000 positions will be created in the sector between 2016 and 2024 representing an almost 15% increase in employment.
The table below provides a breakdown of salaries and employment of dental hygienists across the main towns, cities and non metro areas in Maryland;
| Area | Number Employed | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | 1690 | $83,470.00 |
| California-Lexington Park, MD | 70 | $88,530.00 |
| Cumberland, MD-WV | 40 | $66,440.00 |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV | 120 | $68,680.00 |
| Salisbury, MD-DE | 270 | $73,100.00 |
| Silver Spring-Frederick-Rockville, MD Metropolitan Division | 820 | $81,610.00 |
| Upper Eastern Shore of Maryland nonmetropolitan area | 90 | $78,450.00 |
Related Healthcare Career Comparisons in Maryland
The table below provides a comparison between income and employment of dental hygienists and related healthcare careers in Maryland;
| Career | Number Employed | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Dental Hygienists | 6250 | $80,490.00 |
| Respiratory Therapists | 2540 | $69,970.00 |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographers | 1760 | $81,370.00 |
| Pharmacy Technicians | 8540 | $31,680.00 |
| Surgical Technologists | 3440 | $51,400.00 |
| Veterinary Technologists and Technicians | 2790 | $42,020.00 |
| Dental Assistants | 7370 | $42,080.00 |
| Medical Assistants | 16470 | $38,090.00 |
| Phlebotomists | 3100 | $38,240.00 |
***Page Updated October 2018***