If you are interested in becoming a dental hygienist in a mid-Atlantic state where you can make a high income, then you may want to consider Maryland. Maryland borders Virginia, West Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and the nation’s capital. To the east is the Atlantic Ocean, fronted by beautiful beaches. The capital is Annapolis; the largest city, and the most well known, is Baltimore.
Maryland is an exciting state for those interested in American history. It was one of the original Thirteen Colonies, and is regarded as the birthplace of religious freedom in the US. Its proximity to Washington DC means that you can not only enjoy all that Maryland itself has to offer, but the landmarks that grace the nation’s capital as well. Must-see destinations in Maryland include the National Aquarium and the American Visionary Art Museum as well as the Historic Ships in Baltimore and the Maryland Zoo. Enjoy sports? Follow the Baltimore Ravens, Baltimore Colts, and Baltimore Orioles.
Maryland Dental Hygiene Programs
Now you know everything you need to become a licensed dental hygienist in Maryland. If you are excited at the thought of living and working in a mid-Atlantic state near the nation’s capital where you can earn higher wages, then you may be ready to take the next step in your educational journey and select a school with an accredited program. For your convenience, we have compiled a thorough list below which includes contact information that you may use to get in touch with the dental hygiene departments at the accredited schools. Good luck on your journey to becoming a dental hygienist in Maryland!
| Institute | Address | Website | Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allegany College of Maryland | 12401 Willowbrook Road, SE Cumberland, MD 21502 | www.allegany.edu | AAS |
| Baltimore City Community College | 2901 Liberty Heights Avenue Baltimore, MD 21215 | www.bccc.edu | AAS |
| Fortis College-Landover | 4351 Garden City Drive Landover, MD 20785 | www.fortis.edu | AS |
| Hagerstown Community College | 11400 Robinwood Drive Hagerstown, MD 21742 | www.hagerstowncc.edu | AAS |
| Howard Community College | 10901 Little Patuxent Parkway Columbia, MD 21044 | www.howardcc.edu | AAS |
| The Community College of Baltimore County | Dundalk Campus, 7200 Sollers Point Road Baltimore, MD 21222 | www.ccbcmd.edu | AAS |
| University of Maryland | 650 West Baltimore Street, 1N, Room 1202 Baltimore, MD 21201 | www.dental.umaryland.edu | BS-DH |
License Requirements
To become a dental hygienist in the state of Maryland, you will need to meet the following licensing requirements:
- You will need to take and pass an accredited program in dental hygiene in the state of Maryland.
- You will need to pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination.
- Maryland only requires one additional clinical exam, the CDCA.
- You do need a CPR license to practice dental hygiene in Maryland.
- Maryland does offer a temporary license, a teacher license, and a retired/inactive license.
- Three years of practice are required totaling 150 hours.
- Special requirements include a health certificate from a physician and a personal interview.
- You will also need to submit to standard background check which looks at your criminal history. If you have committed a felony or serious misdemeanor, the board may refuse you your license.
Dental Hygienist Salary in Maryland
Maryland does unfortunately have a high cost of living to match the high standard that it offers. Thankfully this is reflected in a higher income for dental hygienists. Working in the state, you can make a median annual income of $89,380 per year, or $42.97 per hour. You can compare this with the national average reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which comes out to $85,240 per year, or $40.98 per hour. So while you pay more to live in the state, you make significantly more than your counterparts in less expensive states. If you are thrifty, you may be able to put away more money towards your savings.
| Area Name | Employment | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore, Columbia, Towson | 1860 | $41.26 | $85,820 |
| California, Lexington Park | 80 | $44.03 | $91,570 |
| Cumberland | 40 | $27.26 | $56,710 |
| Hagerstown, Martinsburg | 210 | $34.62 | $72,000 |
| Maryland nonmetropolitan area | 100 | $36.12 | $75,130 |
| Salisbury | 230 | $40.82 | $84,910 |
Schools in Neighboring States
The choices for dental hygiene education in Maryland are numerous. If you are looking for even more options in the region, consider schools in neighboring states. Maryland is bordered by Pennsylvania in the north, Delaware and the Atlantic Ocean in the east, the Atlantic Ocean and Virginia in the south, and West Virginia in the west.