How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Maryland

Dentistry is a challenging and dynamic profession that offers work opportunities in the realm of academia and private practice. If you dream of joining this field, then you might want to take a look at this guide that explains how to become a Dentist in Maryland.

Dentists treat oral/dental injuries and diseases. They also educate patients on how to maintain proper oral hygiene. As a dentist, you will be expected to perform a number of complex procedures such as installing crowns, performing tooth extractions and fitting braces etc.

Following is a brief overview of the requirements that must be met by individuals who are planning to become dentists in Maryland:
*Please treat this as a guide as it is not indented to be exhaustive.

1. 1. Education Requirements

As per Maryland’s rules and regulations, candidates are expected to obtain a Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) or a Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S) from an accredited school. The first two years of these programs usually cover basic science courses and the last two years are devoted to clinical study.

2. 2. Training Requirements

In order to finish their doctoral degrees, candidates have to earn certain internship credits.

3. 3. Certification and Licensing Requirements

After completing their studies and training, candidates will have to apply to the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners for the state license. The application forms are available online which they will have to fill and mail to the Board along with the supporting documents. They will also be required to pass the National Boards Exam, the American Dental Licensing Exam (ADLEX), and the Maryland Dental Jurisprudence Exam in order to obtain the license.

The process of becoming a dentist in the state of Maryland involves the following stages:

1. 1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

In order to gain admission in dental school, candidates have to earn a bachelor’s degree and have to meet certain pre-dental requirements. While they are not expected to major in a specific science subject, they are expected to study courses related to Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Physics and Biochemistry at the bachelor’s level. Once aspiring dentists have met these pre-dental requirements, they would be better prepared to take the Dental Admissions Test.

2. 2. Obtain a Doctorate Degree and Meet Training Requirements

After completing the bachelor’s program, students have to enroll in a doctoral level program. They can admit themselves in an accredited Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S) or a Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D) program. The curriculum of these degrees integrates clinical, behavioral and biomedical sciences, and helps students gain a solid understanding of craniofacial and oral health. Earning the doctoral degree is also dependent upon the completion of the required clinical internship credits.

3. 3. Apply for a License

In order to get the license, individuals will have to meet the following requirements:

3. 3. • Should bear a good moral character.
      • Pass the clinical American Dental Licensing Exam (ADLEX) and the Maryland Dental Jurisprudence Exam – the applicant has to achieve a score of at least 75 in each section.
      • Clear the National Boards Exam.
      • Upon meeting these requirements, the applicant will become eligible for a license.

 

Employment figures reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate that in May 2018, dentists in Maryland earned a yearly mean pay of $151,950.