Disclaimer: This article is for education only, not professional advice. Always verify details with official sources.
Some links, forms, or listings are sponsored or paid, which may affect their placement. We may earn from them. Read our full Disclaimer.
If you want to start a career in the dental field without spending years in school, becoming a dental assistant is a solid choice. In Maryland, you can complete training in less than a year and get to work helping dentists care for patients. The key is choosing the right program.
Maryland requires certain duties - like taking X-rays or performing expanded functions - to be done only by trained and qualified assistants. That means your school choice will directly affect what you can do on the job.
Here's what you need to know about the best dental assistant schools in Maryland and how to get started.
Maryland Dental Assistant Requirements
In Maryland, dental assistants can work in several different roles depending on their training and certification.
According to the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners, radiography and expanded function duties require formal education and successful completion of board-recognized exams.
Typical levels include:
- Dental Assistant - No certification required for basic chairside duties, but employer may require CPR training.
- Dental Assistant Qualified in Radiology (DAQI) - Requires approved training and passing a radiography exam.
- Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA) - Requires additional board-approved training.
A good dental assistant program will prepare you for these roles and help you meet state requirements right after graduation.
How to Choose a Dental Assistant School in Maryland
When you compare programs, look at more than just cost. Consider:
- Accreditation - Check if the program is approved by the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners or accredited by CODA (Commission on Dental Accreditation).
- Program Length - Many are 9-12 months, with some accelerated options.
- Hands-On Training - Look for externships in real dental offices.
- Exam Preparation - The program should prepare you for the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) exams.
- Location and Schedule - Some offer evening or weekend classes.
Best Dental Assistant Schools in Maryland
The following schools offer well-regarded, state-recognized dental assistant programs:
1. Fortis Institute - Towson
- Program: Dental Assisting Diploma
- Length: About 9 months
- Focus: Chairside skills, radiology, dental materials, and externship.
- Highlights: Strong local employer connections.
2. All-State Career - Baltimore
- Program: Expanded Functions Dental Assistant
- Length: 9-12 months
- Focus: Radiography, preventive dentistry, EFDA tasks.
- Highlights: Flexible schedules and career placement support.
3. Allegany College of Maryland
- Program: Dental Assisting Certificate
- Length: 1 year full-time
- Focus: CODA-accredited, includes both classroom and clinical rotations.
- Highlights: Pathway to associate degree in dental hygiene.
- Program: Dental Assisting
- Length: 11 months
- Focus: Clinical and administrative training, radiology certification.
- Highlights: On-campus dental clinic for hands-on practice.
- Program: Dental Assisting
- Length: 12 months
- Focus: Chairside techniques, infection control, preventive dentistry.
- Highlights: Prepares students for DANB RHS exam.
| School | Program Length | Accreditation | Includes Externship |
| Fortis Institute | 9 months | State-approved | Yes |
| All-State Career | 9-12 months | State-approved | Yes |
| Allegany College | 1 year | CODA | Yes |
| Hagerstown CC | 11 months | State-approved | Yes |
| Howard CC | 12 months | State-approved | Yes |
Steps to Become a Dental Assistant in Maryland
To get started in this field, follow these steps:
- Choose a state-approved program that matches your career goals.
- Complete your training - make sure it covers radiography if you plan to take X-rays.
- Pass relevant exams - the DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam is common.
- Apply for any required credentials with the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners.
- Keep your CPR certification current - it's required in most dental offices.
Why Go Through Accredited Training
Some offices will hire you with only on-the-job training, but accredited programs have clear advantages:
- They meet Maryland's legal requirements for radiology and expanded functions.
- They make you more competitive for jobs.
- They prepare you for national DANB certification, which can help with future moves to other states.
Financing Your Dental Assistant Education
Most community colleges and accredited trade schools offer:
- Federal financial aid (if accredited)
- Scholarships for healthcare programs
- Payment plans
Contact each school's financial aid office to learn your options.
Final Tips for Success
Starting in this trade is straightforward if you choose the right program. Here's what to do next:
- Review the list of Maryland schools above.
- Contact at least two programs to compare costs, schedules, and externship options.
- Ask each program if graduates are eligible for DANB exams.
- Be sure you'll get the radiology training needed for most jobs in Maryland.
A strong school will set you up for faster job placement and more opportunities to grow in the dental field. Find one that matches your schedule and career goals, and you'll be ready to start helping patients in less than a year.
Sources
Explore Related Topics:
