Guide to Obtaining a Dental License in Maryland

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Maryland offers one of the more comprehensive licensing frameworks in the Mid-Atlantic region, with four distinct pathways that accommodate new graduates, experienced out-of-state clinicians, academic dentists, and those looking to give back through volunteer care. The credentials pathway carries a notable continuing education prerequisite, and the renewal requirements include several mandatory topic areas worth planning around. Here’s a full breakdown of what each pathway requires.

General Requirements

All applicants, regardless of pathway, must meet the following baseline criteria:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Be of good moral character and professional standing
  • Hold a degree from a CODA-accredited dental school
  • Pass all required examinations for their chosen pathway

The Four Pathways

1. Examination Pathway

The standard route for new dental graduates, this pathway requires passing national board scores, a board-accepted clinical examination, and Maryland’s state jurisprudence exam.

Requirements:

  • Graduation from a CODA-accredited dental school
  • Passing scores on the NBDE Parts I & II, or the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE)
  • Passing score on one of the following clinical examinations accepted by the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners: ADEX or CDCA
  • Passing score on the Maryland Dental Jurisprudence Examination

2. Licensure by Credentials

Maryland’s credentials pathway is available to experienced out-of-state dentists who meet both a practice history requirement and a continuing education threshold — the latter of which must be satisfied before you apply, not after. If your CE hours are not current, address that well in advance of submitting your application.

Requirements:

  • A current, active dental license in good standing in another U.S. state or territory
  • Active dental practice for at least three of the five years immediately preceding your application
  • At least 75 hours of continuing education completed in the five years preceding your application
  • A passing score on a regional or state clinical board examination
  • Passing score on the Maryland Dental Jurisprudence Examination

3. Faculty License

Maryland’s faculty license is available to both full-time and part-time faculty members at CODA-accredited dental schools in the state — broader than many states that restrict this pathway to full-time faculty only. It also accepts equivalent dental degrees, which may be relevant to internationally trained dentists working in academic settings.

Requirements:

  • Full-time or part-time faculty employment at a CODA-accredited dental school in Maryland
  • A dental degree from a CODA-accredited institution or its equivalent
  • A current dental license in at least one other U.S. state or territory
  • Passing score on the Maryland Dental Jurisprudence Examination

4. Volunteer License

Maryland is one of a smaller number of states that offers a dedicated volunteer dental license — a thoughtful option for dentists who want to continue serving patients in a non-compensated capacity. Whether you’re semi-retired or simply looking to contribute to your community, this pathway provides a formal structure for doing so.

Requirements:

  • Hold or have previously held a regular Maryland dental license
  • Agreement to provide dental services without compensation
  • Maintenance of current malpractice insurance
  • Passing score on the Maryland Dental Jurisprudence Examination (if not previously completed)

Application Process

All applicants submit their materials to the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners. Regardless of pathway, you’ll need to provide:

  • A completed application form with the required application and license fees
  • Official transcripts from your dental school
  • NBDE/INBDE scores and clinical examination scores (where applicable)
  • Verification of licensure from all states where you hold or have held a license (if applicable)
  • Proof of current CPR certification
  • Completed criminal history records check

Renewal and Continuing Education

Maryland dental licenses must be renewed biennially, with 30 hours of continuing education required per renewal period. Several topic areas carry mandatory requirements:

  • 2 hours on infection control
  • 2 hours on proper prescribing and disposal of prescription drugs
  • 1 hour on ethics — required for the first renewal only

The prescription drug requirement reflects Maryland’s ongoing commitment to responsible prescribing practices at the state level. Build all mandatory topics into your CE plan early in each renewal cycle to avoid a last-minute rush.

Additional Considerations

Temporary dental educator permits: Maryland offers temporary permits for out-of-state dentists teaching at Maryland dental schools — useful for visiting faculty or short-term academic engagements that don’t warrant a full faculty license.

Foreign-trained dentists: If your dental degree was earned outside the United States, your credentials must be evaluated by a board-approved credentialing agency. Depending on your background, you may also be required to complete additional education at a CODA-accredited dental program before becoming eligible for licensure in Maryland.

For the most current requirements, fee schedules, and application materials, contact the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners directly:

Spring Grove Hospital Center 55 Wade Avenue/Tulip Drive Catonsville, MD 21228 Phone: (410) 402-8500 Email: [email protected] Website: health.maryland.gov/dental

Requirements are subject to change, and confirming the latest details with the Board before you apply is always the right first step.