Guide to Obtaining a Dental License in Maryland

General Requirements

1. Be at least 18 years old
2. Be of good moral character and professional standing
3. Graduate from an accredited dental school
4. Pass required examinations

Pathways to Licensure

1. Examination Pathway

• Graduate from a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) approved dental school
• Pass the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) Parts I and II or the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE)
• Pass one of the following clinical examinations:
• ADEX (American Board of Dental Examiners)
• CDCA (Commission on Dental Competency Assessments)
• Pass the Maryland Dental Jurisprudence Examination

2. Licensure by Credentials

• Hold a current, active dental license in another U.S. state or territory
• Have actively practiced dentistry for at least 3 years of the 5 years immediately preceding application
• Have completed 75 hours of continuing education in the 5 years preceding application
• Have passed a regional or state clinical board examination
• Pass the Maryland Dental Jurisprudence Examination

3. Faculty License

• Be a full-time or part-time faculty member at an accredited dental school in Maryland
• Hold a dental degree from a CODA-accredited institution or its equivalent
• Have a current license to practice dentistry in at least one other U.S. state or territory
• Pass the Maryland Dental Jurisprudence Examination

4. Volunteer License

• Hold or have held a regular Maryland dental license
• Agree to provide dental services without compensation
• Maintain malpractice insurance
• Pass the Maryland Dental Jurisprudence Examination (if not previously taken)

Application Process

1. Submit a completed application form to the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners
2. Pay the required application and license fees
3. Provide official transcripts from your dental school
4. Submit examination scores (NBDE/INBDE and clinical exam)
5. Provide verification of licensure from other states (if applicable)
6. Submit proof of current CPR certification
7. Complete a criminal history records check

Renewal and Continuing Education

• Renew license biennially
• Complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years, including:
• 2 hours in infection control
• 2 hours in proper prescribing and disposal of prescription drugs
• 1 hour in ethics (for first renewal only)

Additional Information

• Foreign-trained dentists must have their credentials evaluated by an approved agency and may need to complete additional education at a CODA-accredited program
• Temporary dental educator permits are available for out-of-state dentists teaching at Maryland dental schools

For the most up-to-date information, contact:
Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners
Spring Grove Hospital Center
55 Wade Avenue/Tulip Drive
Catonsville, MD 21228
Phone: (410) 402-8500
Email: dental.board@maryland.gov
Website: health.maryland.gov/dental