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.
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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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ann Arbor | 530 | 34.48 | 71720 |
| Balance of Lower Peninsula of Michigan nonmetropolitan area | 430 | 28.23 | 58720 |
| Battle Creek | 110 | 29.31 | 60960 |
| Bay City | 70 | 31.58 | 65690 |
| Detroit, Warren, Dearborn | 4450 | 30.67 | 63790 |
| Flint | 470 | 30.47 | 63370 |
| Grand Rapids, Wyoming | 1010 | 31.58 | 65680 |
| Jackson | 110 | 29.83 | 62050 |
| Kalamazoo, Portage | 300 | 31.84 | 66220 |
| Lansing, East Lansing | 430 | 30.24 | 62900 |
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.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baker College of Clinton Township | 34401 S. Gratiot Avenue Clinton Township, MI 48035 | www.baker.edu | AAS |
| Delta College | 1961 Delta Road Office F-262 University Center, MI 48710 | www.delta.edu | AAS |
| Ferris State University | 200 Ferris Drive Big Rapids, MI 49307 | www.ferris.edu | AAS BS |
| Grand Rapids Community College | 143 Bostwick NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503 | www.grcc.edu | AAS |
| Kalamazoo Valley Community College | 6767 West O Ave. - P.O Box 4070 Kalamazoo, MI 49003 | www.kvcc.edu | AAS |
| Kellogg Community College | 450 North Ave. Battle Creek, MI 49017 | www.kellogg.edu | AAS |
| Lansing Community College | 3100D; P.O. Box 40010 Lansing, MI 48901 | www.lcc.edu | AAS |
| Mott Community College | 1401 East Court Street Flint, MI 48503 | www.mcc.edu | AAS |
| Oakland Community College | 7350 Cooley Lake Road Waterford, MI 48327 | www.oaklandcc.edu | AAS |
| University of Detroit Mercy | 2700 Martin Luther King Jr., Blvd. Detroit, MI 48208 | dental.udmercy.edu | BS |
| University of Michigan | 1011 N. University Ann Arbor, MI 48109 | dent.umich.edu | BS-DH |
| Wayne County Community College District | 8200 West Outer Drive Detroit, MI 48219 | www.wcccd.edu | AS |