Two former classifications ended
The Board no longer recognizes “dental assistant recognized as qualified in general duties” or “dental assistant recognized as qualified in orthodontics.”
Maryland regulations changed August 31, 2026
Maryland dental assistant credentials have changed.
The former Qualified in General Duties and Qualified in Orthodontics classifications are no longer recognized. Maryland now separates entry-level assisting from Board-certified expanded functions and dental radiography.
Verified against current Maryland regulations • Updated September 2026
The regulatory reset
What changed on August 31, 2026?
Entry-level work became Level One
An eligible dental assistant may perform the procedures listed for Level One assistants under the required supervision without first obtaining a Board certificate.
Expanded functions became certified roles
Protected general and orthodontic expanded functions now require the applicable EFDA education, examination, application, and Board certification.
The new Maryland framework
Four pathways—four different permissions
Select a role to see what it means and what Maryland requires.
No Board certificate required
Level One Dental Assistant
The entry-level Maryland classification for assistants performing permitted duties under a dentist’s supervision.
Core requirements
- At least 18 years old
- Proper training in infection control
- Proper training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation
- Specific instructions and required supervision from a Maryland-licensed dentist
Examples of permitted duties
Rinsing and aspiration, retraction, oral-hygiene instruction, topical anesthetic, light curing, certain impressions, rubber dam placement or removal, temporary crowns and restorations, removing sutures, and other procedures listed in COMAR 10.44.01.03.
Important: Level One status does not authorize dental radiographs or protected EFDA procedures.
Explore Smile Squad’s 13-Week Dental Assisting Program
Board certification required
General Duties Expanded Function Dental Assistant
A Board-certified role for specific expanded intraoral procedures beyond the Level One scope.
Certification pathway
- 1Be at least 18 and hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
- 2Complete a Board-approved course of at least 60 hours. It must include at least 15 hours of in-person hands-on clinical training plus the separate two-hour, hands-on component within the required six-hour nitrous-oxide instruction.
- 3Earn the appropriate General Duties EFDA certification from DANB.
- 4Pass the Maryland Jurisprudence Examination with at least 75 in each required section.
- 5Maintain qualifying CPR certification, complete the criminal-history check, and apply to the Board.
Protected expanded functions
- Place dental sealants
- Perform limited coronal polishing as defined by regulation
- Apply silver diamine fluoride
- Monitor nitrous oxide under the regulatory standards
- Perform acid etching
- Apply bonding agents
Course limitation: The EFDA course must be part of an institution or program category permitted by COMAR 10.44.01.18. Not every dental assisting school may independently offer it.
Board certification required
Orthodontic Expanded Function Dental Assistant
A separate Board-certified role for protected orthodontic procedures.
Certification pathway
- 1Be at least 18 and hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
- 2Complete a Board-approved orthodontic EFDA course of at least 35 hours, including at least 10 hours of in-person hands-on clinical training.
- 3Earn the appropriate Orthodontic EFDA certification from DANB.
- 4Pass the Maryland Jurisprudence Examination with at least 75 in each required section.
- 5Maintain qualifying CPR certification, complete the criminal-history check, and apply to the Board.
Protected orthodontic functions
- Prepare and fit orthodontic bands
- Place and remove arch wires
- Cement bands and place bonded attachments
- Remove cemented or bonded bands and attachments
- Place elastics and ligatures
- Select headgear
- Perform acid etching and apply bonding agents
Separate Board certification required
Dental Radiation Technologist (DRT)
Dental radiography is a separate credential. Being a Level One assistant or EFDA does not automatically authorize X-rays.
Certification pathway
- 1Be at least 18 and hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
- 2Complete Maryland’s approved educational requirements, including a Board-approved radiology course of at least 24 hours.
- 3Pass the examination administered or approved by the Board.
- 4Apply to and receive certification from the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners.
What course completion means
A course-completion certificate documents education. It is not the Maryland DRT certificate.
Do not expose radiographs on patients until the Board has issued an active Maryland DRT certificate.
Explore Smile Squad’s Dental Radiology CourseAt-a-glance comparison
Know which credential controls the duty
| Pathway | Board certificate? | Minimum approved education | Exam / application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level One | No | No state-set course-hour minimum; employer must ensure required training | No Board application for Level One status |
| General Duties EFDA | Yes | 60 hours, including at least 15 hands-on clinical hours plus a separate two-hour hands-on nitrous-oxide component | DANB certification, Maryland jurisprudence exam, background check, and Board application |
| Orthodontic EFDA | Yes | 35 hours, including at least 10 hands-on clinical hours | DANB certification, Maryland jurisprudence exam, background check, and Board application |
| Dental Radiation Technologist | Yes | Board-approved radiology education of at least 24 hours, plus applicable educational requirements | Board-approved exam and Board application |
Legacy students and assistants
Were you enrolled or recognized before the change?
Enrolled in a former approved course on or before August 31, 2026
According to the Board’s notice to approved institutions, these students may continue pursuing the former recognition pathway after completing the approved course, applicable DANB examination, and Board application. Contact the Board directly to confirm documentation and timing for your individual situation.
Previously recognized as qualified in general duties
The former recognition is no longer recognized as a current classification. These individuals may perform Level One duties under the conditions in COMAR 10.44.01.03 without obtaining Board certification. Protected General Duties EFDA procedures still require EFDA certification.
Previously recognized as qualified in orthodontics
Maryland created a transition process to Orthodontic EFDA certification. The final regulations provide a grace period through February 28, 2027 for individuals recognized before August 31, 2026. Do not assume the old recognition remains sufficient after that date; confirm your transition status with the Board.
Choose by the work you want to perform
Which pathway should you explore?
Choose the statement that best matches your goal. This tool provides general guidance—not an eligibility decision from the Board.
Your likely pathway
Level One Dental Assistant
Seek quality entry-level education and employer-supervised training in Maryland’s permitted Level One duties.
Explore Our 13-Week Dental Assisting Program →Frequently asked questions
Common points of confusion
Do I need a Maryland certificate to work as a Level One Dental Assistant?
No. Maryland does not require Board certification for Level One status. You must be at least 18, and the supervising dentist must ensure that you are properly trained in infection control and CPR. Specific duties remain subject to the supervision requirements in COMAR.
Does completing a dental assisting program make me an EFDA?
No. EFDA is a separate Board certification. You must complete the applicable Board-approved EFDA education and satisfy the examination, jurisprudence, CPR, background-check, application, and other requirements.
Does completing a radiology course let me take X-rays?
No. Course completion is one part of the pathway. You must pass the applicable exam, apply to the Board, and receive an active Maryland DRT certificate before exposing radiographs on a patient.
Is Smile Squad’s current 13-week Dental Assisting Program an EFDA course?
No. Smile Squad’s current Dental Assisting Program provides entry-level occupational training for Level One dental assisting. It does not confer Board certification and is not represented as a Board-approved General Duties or Orthodontic EFDA course.
Official sources
Read the Maryland regulations
Former classifications COMAR 10.44.01.02
Level One duties COMAR 10.44.01.03
General EFDA qualifications COMAR 10.44.01.05
Orthodontic EFDA qualifications COMAR 10.44.01.07
Approved-course requirements COMAR 10.44.01.18
DRT certification requirement COMAR 10.44.19.02
This page is a plain-language educational summary and is not legal advice or a determination of individual eligibility. Regulations and Board procedures may change. Always verify current requirements with the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners before performing a regulated function.
