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Maine Dental Hygiene — Requirements & Free Practice

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Dental Hygiene Therapist - Authority

Practice authority on a Maine dental hygienist license to practice dental hygiene therapy under a written practice agreement with a dentist.

Licensing authority: Maine Board of Dental Practice · Application information

Dental hygiene therapist authority granted by endorsement to an applicant licensed in another jurisdiction (32 M.R.S. § 18347; 02 313 CMR Chapter 11, Section II)
Dental Hygienist Jurisprudence Examination
Clinical Examination
32 M.R.S. § 18345(2)(C)(3) and 02-313 CMR Chapter 2, Sections V(G) and VI(F) require passing all sections of a comprehensive, competency-based clinical examination approved by the Board and administered independently of the dental therapy education program. The Board's June 2025 Examination Chart names the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX, CDCA-WREB-CITA) Dental Therapy examination (OSCE and patient-based clinical skills, with a manikin-based alternative approved 8/18/2023). That examination is the dental therapy profession's licensure examination and is recorded here as a condition.
Clinical Practice
2,000 hours of supervised clinical practice under a dentist, while licensed as a provisional dental therapist (02-313 CMR Chapter 2, Section V(C)).
Education
Master's degree in dental therapy from a CODA-accredited program or a program meeting the Board's curriculum requirements (32 M.R.S. § 18345(2)(C)(2); 02-313 CMR Chapter 2, Section V(B)).
Examination Waiver
The Board may, at its discretion, waive the examination requirements (32 M.R.S. § 18347; 02-313 CMR Chapter 11, Section II).
Jurisprudence Attempts
Applicants who do not pass the jurisprudence examination (grade of 90 percent) in three attempts may be preliminarily denied licensure (02-313 CMR Chapter 2, Section I(D)).
License
Active Maine dental hygienist license in good standing (02-313 CMR Chapter 2).
Other License
Licensed in another state, a United States territory, a foreign nation or a foreign administrative division that issues licenses in the dental professions, with either a substantially equivalent license held for at least 3 consecutive years or qualifications substantially similar to Maine's requirements for the authority (32 M.R.S. § 18347(1); 02-313 CMR Chapter 11, Section II).
Practice Agreement
Written practice agreement and standing orders with a supervising dentist as specified in 02-313 CMR Chapter 2, Section V(E)-(F) and 32 M.R.S. § 18377(3).
Dental hygiene therapist authority for a Maine licensed dental hygienist (32 M.R.S. § 18345(2); 02 313 CMR Chapter 2)
Dental Hygienist Jurisprudence Examination
Clinical Examination
32 M.R.S. § 18345(2)(C)(3) and 02-313 CMR Chapter 2, Sections V(G) and VI(F) require passing all sections of a comprehensive, competency-based clinical examination approved by the Board and administered independently of the dental therapy education program. The Board's June 2025 Examination Chart names the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX, CDCA-WREB-CITA) Dental Therapy examination (OSCE and patient-based clinical skills, with a manikin-based alternative approved 8/18/2023). That examination is the dental therapy profession's licensure examination and is recorded here as a condition.
Clinical Practice
2,000 hours of supervised clinical practice under a dentist, while licensed as a provisional dental therapist (02-313 CMR Chapter 2, Section V(C)).
Education
Master's degree in dental therapy from a CODA-accredited program or a program meeting the Board's curriculum requirements (32 M.R.S. § 18345(2)(C)(2); 02-313 CMR Chapter 2, Section V(B)).
Jurisprudence Attempts
Applicants who do not pass the jurisprudence examination (grade of 90 percent) in three attempts may be preliminarily denied licensure (02-313 CMR Chapter 2, Section I(D)).
License
Active Maine dental hygienist license in good standing (02-313 CMR Chapter 2).
Practice Agreement
Written practice agreement and standing orders with a supervising dentist as specified in 02-313 CMR Chapter 2, Section V(E)-(F) and 32 M.R.S. § 18377(3).
Dental hygiene therapist authority reinstatement after license expiration (02 313 CMR Chapter 11, Section IV)
Dental Hygienist Jurisprudence Examination
Clinical Examination
32 M.R.S. § 18345(2)(C)(3) and 02-313 CMR Chapter 2, Sections V(G) and VI(F) require passing all sections of a comprehensive, competency-based clinical examination approved by the Board and administered independently of the dental therapy education program. The Board's June 2025 Examination Chart names the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX, CDCA-WREB-CITA) Dental Therapy examination (OSCE and patient-based clinical skills, with a manikin-based alternative approved 8/18/2023). That examination is the dental therapy profession's licensure examination and is recorded here as a condition.
Clinical Practice
2,000 hours of supervised clinical practice under a dentist, while licensed as a provisional dental therapist (02-313 CMR Chapter 2, Section V(C)).
Education
Master's degree in dental therapy from a CODA-accredited program or a program meeting the Board's curriculum requirements (32 M.R.S. § 18345(2)(C)(2); 02-313 CMR Chapter 2, Section V(B)).
Examination Waiver
The Board may, giving due consideration to the protection of the public, waive the examination requirements (02-313 CMR Chapter 11, Section IV).
Jurisprudence Attempts
Applicants who do not pass the jurisprudence examination (grade of 90 percent) in three attempts may be preliminarily denied licensure (02-313 CMR Chapter 2, Section I(D)).
License
Active Maine dental hygienist license in good standing (02-313 CMR Chapter 2).
Practice Agreement
Written practice agreement and standing orders with a supervising dentist as specified in 02-313 CMR Chapter 2, Section V(E)-(F) and 32 M.R.S. § 18377(3).
Reinstatement
Meet the dental hygiene reinstatement requirements, file an initial authority application, pay the required fees and meet all requirements for the practice authority; if the license expired more than two years ago, apply for dental hygiene licensure and the authority anew (02-313 CMR Chapter 11, Section IV).
Dental hygiene therapist authority renewal with the dental hygienist license (02 313 CMR Chapter 11, Section IV)
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Basic Life Support
Current basic life support certification (32 M.R.S. § 18350).
Continuing Education
Complete the continuing education required by 02-313 CMR Chapter 13 during the licensing cycle (30 credit hours per renewal for dental hygienists and faculty dental hygienists); hours earned after expiration do not count toward a late renewal.
License
The authority renews with the holder's dental hygienist license, which must meet the dental hygiene renewal requirements (02-313 CMR Chapter 11, Section IV).
Practice Agreement
Submit a current, valid practice agreement with a supervising dentist (02-313 CMR Chapter 11, Section IV(B)).
Timing
Apply on or before the expiration date, or within 90 days after expiration with a late fee (32 M.R.S. § 18349(1)-(2); 02-313 CMR Chapter 11, Section III(A)-(B)).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-10-20.

Local Anesthesia - Authority

Practice authority on a Maine dental hygienist license to administer local anesthesia.

Licensing authority: Maine Board of Dental Practice · Application information

Local anesthesia authority granted by endorsement to an applicant licensed in another jurisdiction (32 M.R.S. § 18347; 02 313 CMR Chapter 11, Section II)
Dental Hygienist Jurisprudence Examination
Course
Successful completion of a Board-approved or CODA-accredited-program local anesthesia course with didactic and clinical experience in block and infiltration anesthesia (02-313 CMR Chapter 2, Section VII(B)).
Examination Waiver
The Board may, at its discretion, waive the examination requirements (32 M.R.S. § 18347; 02-313 CMR Chapter 11, Section II).
Jurisprudence Attempts
Applicants who do not pass the jurisprudence examination (grade of 90 percent) in three attempts may be preliminarily denied licensure (02-313 CMR Chapter 2, Section I(D)).
License
Active Maine dental hygienist license in good standing (02-313 CMR Chapter 2).
Local Anesthesia Examination
02-313 CMR Chapter 2, Section VII(C) requires verification of passing an examination in the administration of local anesthesia, which may be part of a Board-approved local anesthesia course or an examination administered by a Board-approved third party. The Board's June 2025 Examination Chart names the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX, CDCA-WREB-CITA) Local Anesthesia computer-based examination for this authority; that nationwide examination has no registered version yet.
Other License
Licensed in another state, a United States territory, a foreign nation or a foreign administrative division that issues licenses in the dental professions, with either a substantially equivalent license held for at least 3 consecutive years or qualifications substantially similar to Maine's requirements for the authority (32 M.R.S. § 18347(1); 02-313 CMR Chapter 11, Section II).
Local anesthesia authority for a Maine licensed dental hygienist (32 M.R.S. § 18345(2); 02 313 CMR Chapter 2)
Dental Hygienist Jurisprudence Examination
Course
Successful completion of a Board-approved or CODA-accredited-program local anesthesia course with didactic and clinical experience in block and infiltration anesthesia (02-313 CMR Chapter 2, Section VII(B)).
Jurisprudence Attempts
Applicants who do not pass the jurisprudence examination (grade of 90 percent) in three attempts may be preliminarily denied licensure (02-313 CMR Chapter 2, Section I(D)).
License
Active Maine dental hygienist license in good standing (02-313 CMR Chapter 2).
Local Anesthesia Examination
02-313 CMR Chapter 2, Section VII(C) requires verification of passing an examination in the administration of local anesthesia, which may be part of a Board-approved local anesthesia course or an examination administered by a Board-approved third party. The Board's June 2025 Examination Chart names the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX, CDCA-WREB-CITA) Local Anesthesia computer-based examination for this authority; that nationwide examination has no registered version yet.
Local anesthesia authority reinstatement after license expiration (02 313 CMR Chapter 11, Section IV)
Dental Hygienist Jurisprudence Examination
Course
Successful completion of a Board-approved or CODA-accredited-program local anesthesia course with didactic and clinical experience in block and infiltration anesthesia (02-313 CMR Chapter 2, Section VII(B)).
Examination Waiver
The Board may, giving due consideration to the protection of the public, waive the examination requirements (02-313 CMR Chapter 11, Section IV).
Jurisprudence Attempts
Applicants who do not pass the jurisprudence examination (grade of 90 percent) in three attempts may be preliminarily denied licensure (02-313 CMR Chapter 2, Section I(D)).
License
Active Maine dental hygienist license in good standing (02-313 CMR Chapter 2).
Local Anesthesia Examination
02-313 CMR Chapter 2, Section VII(C) requires verification of passing an examination in the administration of local anesthesia, which may be part of a Board-approved local anesthesia course or an examination administered by a Board-approved third party. The Board's June 2025 Examination Chart names the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX, CDCA-WREB-CITA) Local Anesthesia computer-based examination for this authority; that nationwide examination has no registered version yet.
Reinstatement
Meet the dental hygiene reinstatement requirements, file an initial authority application, pay the required fees and meet all requirements for the practice authority; if the license expired more than two years ago, apply for dental hygiene licensure and the authority anew (02-313 CMR Chapter 11, Section IV).
Local anesthesia authority renewal with the dental hygienist license (02 313 CMR Chapter 11, Section IV)
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Basic Life Support
Current basic life support certification (32 M.R.S. § 18350).
Continuing Education
Complete the continuing education required by 02-313 CMR Chapter 13 during the licensing cycle (30 credit hours per renewal for dental hygienists and faculty dental hygienists); hours earned after expiration do not count toward a late renewal.
License
The authority renews with the holder's dental hygienist license, which must meet the dental hygiene renewal requirements (02-313 CMR Chapter 11, Section IV).
Timing
Apply on or before the expiration date, or within 90 days after expiration with a late fee (32 M.R.S. § 18349(1)-(2); 02-313 CMR Chapter 11, Section III(A)-(B)).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-10-20.

Nitrous Oxide Analgesia - Authority

Practice authority on a Maine dental hygienist license to administer nitrous oxide analgesia under the direct supervision of a dentist.

Licensing authority: Maine Board of Dental Practice · Application information

Nitrous oxide analgesia authority granted by endorsement to an applicant licensed in another jurisdiction (32 M.R.S. § 18347; 02 313 CMR Chapter 11, Section II)
Dental Hygienist Jurisprudence Examination
Course
Successful completion of a Board-approved or CODA-accredited-program nitrous oxide analgesia course with didactic and clinical experience (02-313 CMR Chapter 2, Section VIII(B)).
Examination Waiver
The Board may, at its discretion, waive the examination requirements (32 M.R.S. § 18347; 02-313 CMR Chapter 11, Section II).
Jurisprudence Attempts
Applicants who do not pass the jurisprudence examination (grade of 90 percent) in three attempts may be preliminarily denied licensure (02-313 CMR Chapter 2, Section I(D)).
License
Active Maine dental hygienist license in good standing (02-313 CMR Chapter 2).
Nitrous Oxide Examination
02-313 CMR Chapter 2, Section VIII(C) requires verification of passing an examination in the administration of nitrous oxide analgesia, which may be part of a Board-approved nitrous oxide analgesia course or an examination administered by a Board-approved third party. The Board's June 2025 Examination Chart names the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX, CDCA-WREB-CITA) computer-based nitrous oxide examination (the Nitrous Oxide Examination for Dental Hygienists) for this authority; that nationwide examination has no registered version yet.
Other License
Licensed in another state, a United States territory, a foreign nation or a foreign administrative division that issues licenses in the dental professions, with either a substantially equivalent license held for at least 3 consecutive years or qualifications substantially similar to Maine's requirements for the authority (32 M.R.S. § 18347(1); 02-313 CMR Chapter 11, Section II).
Nitrous oxide analgesia authority for a Maine licensed dental hygienist (32 M.R.S. § 18345(2); 02 313 CMR Chapter 2)
Dental Hygienist Jurisprudence Examination
Course
Successful completion of a Board-approved or CODA-accredited-program nitrous oxide analgesia course with didactic and clinical experience (02-313 CMR Chapter 2, Section VIII(B)).
Jurisprudence Attempts
Applicants who do not pass the jurisprudence examination (grade of 90 percent) in three attempts may be preliminarily denied licensure (02-313 CMR Chapter 2, Section I(D)).
License
Active Maine dental hygienist license in good standing (02-313 CMR Chapter 2).
Nitrous Oxide Examination
02-313 CMR Chapter 2, Section VIII(C) requires verification of passing an examination in the administration of nitrous oxide analgesia, which may be part of a Board-approved nitrous oxide analgesia course or an examination administered by a Board-approved third party. The Board's June 2025 Examination Chart names the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX, CDCA-WREB-CITA) computer-based nitrous oxide examination (the Nitrous Oxide Examination for Dental Hygienists) for this authority; that nationwide examination has no registered version yet.
Nitrous oxide analgesia authority reinstatement after license expiration (02 313 CMR Chapter 11, Section IV)
Dental Hygienist Jurisprudence Examination
Course
Successful completion of a Board-approved or CODA-accredited-program nitrous oxide analgesia course with didactic and clinical experience (02-313 CMR Chapter 2, Section VIII(B)).
Examination Waiver
The Board may, giving due consideration to the protection of the public, waive the examination requirements (02-313 CMR Chapter 11, Section IV).
Jurisprudence Attempts
Applicants who do not pass the jurisprudence examination (grade of 90 percent) in three attempts may be preliminarily denied licensure (02-313 CMR Chapter 2, Section I(D)).
License
Active Maine dental hygienist license in good standing (02-313 CMR Chapter 2).
Nitrous Oxide Examination
02-313 CMR Chapter 2, Section VIII(C) requires verification of passing an examination in the administration of nitrous oxide analgesia, which may be part of a Board-approved nitrous oxide analgesia course or an examination administered by a Board-approved third party. The Board's June 2025 Examination Chart names the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX, CDCA-WREB-CITA) computer-based nitrous oxide examination (the Nitrous Oxide Examination for Dental Hygienists) for this authority; that nationwide examination has no registered version yet.
Reinstatement
Meet the dental hygiene reinstatement requirements, file an initial authority application, pay the required fees and meet all requirements for the practice authority; if the license expired more than two years ago, apply for dental hygiene licensure and the authority anew (02-313 CMR Chapter 11, Section IV).
Nitrous oxide analgesia authority renewal with the dental hygienist license (02 313 CMR Chapter 11, Section IV)
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Basic Life Support
Current basic life support certification (32 M.R.S. § 18350).
Continuing Education
Complete the continuing education required by 02-313 CMR Chapter 13 during the licensing cycle (30 credit hours per renewal for dental hygienists and faculty dental hygienists); hours earned after expiration do not count toward a late renewal.
License
The authority renews with the holder's dental hygienist license, which must meet the dental hygiene renewal requirements (02-313 CMR Chapter 11, Section IV).
Timing
Apply on or before the expiration date, or within 90 days after expiration with a late fee (32 M.R.S. § 18349(1)-(2); 02-313 CMR Chapter 11, Section III(A)-(B)).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-10-20.

Faculty Dental Hygienist License

License for a dental hygienist holding an active license in good standing from another jurisdiction who meets the employing school's credentialing standards for a teaching role.

Licensing authority: Maine Board of Dental Practice · Application information

Return of an inactive faculty license to active status (32 M.R.S. § 18351; 02 313 CMR Chapter 13, Section VIII(E))
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Basic Life Support
Current BLS certification card (02-313 CMR Chapter 13, Section VIII(E)).
Continuing Education
One half of the required continuing education credit hours if inactive less than five years, all of them if inactive more than five years (02-313 CMR Chapter 13, Section VIII(E)).
Request
Written request to the Board to return the inactive license to active status (02-313 CMR Chapter 13, Section VIII(E)).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-10-20.

Faculty dental hygienist license (32 M.R.S. § 18345(3); 02 313 CMR Chapter 2, Section IX)
Dental Hygienist Jurisprudence Examination
Age
Applicant must be 18 years of age or older (32 M.R.S. § 18341(2)).
Application
Submit an application with the fee and any other materials required by the Board; complete the application within 90 days after notice of missing materials (32 M.R.S. § 18341; 02-313 CMR Chapter 2, Section I).
Basic Life Support
Verification of current BLS certification; online-only training is not accepted without verified hands-on participation (32 M.R.S. § 18341(4); 02-313 CMR Chapter 2, Section I(C)).
Jurisprudence Attempts
Applicants who do not pass the jurisprudence examination (grade of 90 percent) in three attempts may be preliminarily denied licensure (02-313 CMR Chapter 2, Section I(D)).
Other License
Active dental hygiene license in good standing issued under the laws of another state, a United States territory, a foreign nation or a foreign administrative division (32 M.R.S. § 18345(3)(A); 02-313 CMR Chapter 2, Section IX(A)).
Practice Limit
Practice is authorized only within the school setting.
School Letter
Letter from the employing school of dentistry, dental hygiene or denturism confirming the applicant meets its credentialing standards and will teach dental hygiene in a CODA-accredited clinical and didactic program in Maine, and previous relevant employment experience (32 M.R.S. § 18345(3)(B); 02-313 CMR Chapter 2, Section IX).
Faculty license reinstatement between 91 days and two years after expiration (32 M.R.S. § 18349(3); 02 313 CMR Chapter 11, Section III(C))
Dental Hygienist Jurisprudence Examination
Age
Applicant must be 18 years of age or older (32 M.R.S. § 18341(2)).
Application
Submit an application with the fee and any other materials required by the Board; complete the application within 90 days after notice of missing materials (32 M.R.S. § 18341; 02-313 CMR Chapter 2, Section I).
Basic Life Support
Verification of current BLS certification; online-only training is not accepted without verified hands-on participation (32 M.R.S. § 18341(4); 02-313 CMR Chapter 2, Section I(C)).
Examination Waiver
The Board may, giving due consideration to the protection of the public, waive the examination requirements (02-313 CMR Chapter 11, Section III(C)(1)).
Jurisprudence Attempts
Applicants who do not pass the jurisprudence examination (grade of 90 percent) in three attempts may be preliminarily denied licensure (02-313 CMR Chapter 2, Section I(D)).
Other License
Active dental hygiene license in good standing issued under the laws of another state, a United States territory, a foreign nation or a foreign administrative division (32 M.R.S. § 18345(3)(A); 02-313 CMR Chapter 2, Section IX(A)).
Practice Limit
Practice is authorized only within the school setting.
School Letter
Letter from the employing school of dentistry, dental hygiene or denturism confirming the applicant meets its credentialing standards and will teach dental hygiene in a CODA-accredited clinical and didactic program in Maine, and previous relevant employment experience (32 M.R.S. § 18345(3)(B); 02-313 CMR Chapter 2, Section IX).
Timing
Application for reinstatement between 91 days and two years after expiration; beyond two years an application for initial licensure is required (02-313 CMR Chapter 11, Section III(C)).
Faculty license renewal, including late renewal within 90 days of expiration (32 M.R.S. § 18349(1) (2); 02 313 CMR Chapter 11, Section III(A) (B))
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Basic Life Support
Current basic life support certification (32 M.R.S. § 18350).
Continuing Education
Complete the continuing education required by 02-313 CMR Chapter 13 during the licensing cycle (30 credit hours per renewal for dental hygienists and faculty dental hygienists); hours earned after expiration do not count toward a late renewal.
Timing
Apply on or before the expiration date, or within 90 days after expiration with a late fee (32 M.R.S. § 18349(1)-(2); 02-313 CMR Chapter 11, Section III(A)-(B)).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-10-20.

Independent Practice Dental Hygienist - Authority

Practice authority on a Maine dental hygienist license to practice independent dental hygiene.

Licensing authority: Maine Board of Dental Practice · Application information

Independent practice dental hygienist authority granted by endorsement to an applicant licensed in another jurisdiction (32 M.R.S. § 18347; 02 313 CMR Chapter 11, Section II)
Dental Hygienist Jurisprudence Examination
Clinical Practice
Verification of 2,000 hours of clinical practice experience as a licensed dental hygienist (32 M.R.S. § 18345(2)(A); 02-313 CMR Chapter 2, Section III(B)).
Examination Waiver
The Board may, at its discretion, waive the examination requirements (32 M.R.S. § 18347; 02-313 CMR Chapter 11, Section II).
Jurisprudence Attempts
Applicants who do not pass the jurisprudence examination (grade of 90 percent) in three attempts may be preliminarily denied licensure (02-313 CMR Chapter 2, Section I(D)).
License
Active Maine dental hygienist license in good standing (02-313 CMR Chapter 2).
Other License
Licensed in another state, a United States territory, a foreign nation or a foreign administrative division that issues licenses in the dental professions, with either a substantially equivalent license held for at least 3 consecutive years or qualifications substantially similar to Maine's requirements for the authority (32 M.R.S. § 18347(1); 02-313 CMR Chapter 11, Section II).
Practice Agreement
A written practice agreement with a licensed dentist to interpret dental radiographs is required (Board License Types page).
Independent practice dental hygienist authority for a Maine licensed dental hygienist (32 M.R.S. § 18345(2); 02 313 CMR Chapter 2)
Dental Hygienist Jurisprudence Examination
Clinical Practice
Verification of 2,000 hours of clinical practice experience as a licensed dental hygienist (32 M.R.S. § 18345(2)(A); 02-313 CMR Chapter 2, Section III(B)).
Jurisprudence Attempts
Applicants who do not pass the jurisprudence examination (grade of 90 percent) in three attempts may be preliminarily denied licensure (02-313 CMR Chapter 2, Section I(D)).
License
Active Maine dental hygienist license in good standing (02-313 CMR Chapter 2).
Practice Agreement
A written practice agreement with a licensed dentist to interpret dental radiographs is required (Board License Types page).
Independent practice dental hygienist authority reinstatement after license expiration (02 313 CMR Chapter 11, Section IV)
Dental Hygienist Jurisprudence Examination
Clinical Practice
Verification of 2,000 hours of clinical practice experience as a licensed dental hygienist (32 M.R.S. § 18345(2)(A); 02-313 CMR Chapter 2, Section III(B)).
Examination Waiver
The Board may, giving due consideration to the protection of the public, waive the examination requirements (02-313 CMR Chapter 11, Section IV).
Jurisprudence Attempts
Applicants who do not pass the jurisprudence examination (grade of 90 percent) in three attempts may be preliminarily denied licensure (02-313 CMR Chapter 2, Section I(D)).
License
Active Maine dental hygienist license in good standing (02-313 CMR Chapter 2).
Practice Agreement
A written practice agreement with a licensed dentist to interpret dental radiographs is required (Board License Types page).
Reinstatement
Meet the dental hygiene reinstatement requirements, file an initial authority application, pay the required fees and meet all requirements for the practice authority; if the license expired more than two years ago, apply for dental hygiene licensure and the authority anew (02-313 CMR Chapter 11, Section IV).
Independent practice dental hygienist authority renewal with the dental hygienist license (02 313 CMR Chapter 11, Section IV)
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Basic Life Support
Current basic life support certification (32 M.R.S. § 18350).
Continuing Education
Complete the continuing education required by 02-313 CMR Chapter 13 during the licensing cycle (30 credit hours per renewal for dental hygienists and faculty dental hygienists); hours earned after expiration do not count toward a late renewal.
License
The authority renews with the holder's dental hygienist license, which must meet the dental hygiene renewal requirements (02-313 CMR Chapter 11, Section IV).
Timing
Apply on or before the expiration date, or within 90 days after expiration with a late fee (32 M.R.S. § 18349(1)-(2); 02-313 CMR Chapter 11, Section III(A)-(B)).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-10-20.

Provisional Dental Hygiene Therapist - Authority

Provisional authority for a Board-licensed dental hygienist to practice dental hygiene therapy under a licensed dentist’s direct and general supervision while gaining the clinical experience required for DHT authority.

Licensing authority: Maine Board of Dental Practice · Application information

Provisional dental hygiene therapist authority granted by endorsement to an applicant licensed in another jurisdiction (32 M.R.S. § 18347; 02 313 CMR Chapter 11, Section II)
Dental Hygienist Jurisprudence Examination
Clinical Examination
32 M.R.S. § 18345(2)(C)(3) and 02-313 CMR Chapter 2, Sections V(G) and VI(F) require passing all sections of a comprehensive, competency-based clinical examination approved by the Board and administered independently of the dental therapy education program. The Board's June 2025 Examination Chart names the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX, CDCA-WREB-CITA) Dental Therapy examination (OSCE and patient-based clinical skills, with a manikin-based alternative approved 8/18/2023). That examination is the dental therapy profession's licensure examination and is recorded here as a condition.
Education
Master's degree in dental therapy from a CODA-accredited program or a program meeting the Board's curriculum requirements (32 M.R.S. § 18345(2)(F)(1); 02-313 CMR Chapter 2, Section VI(B)).
Examination Waiver
The Board may, at its discretion, waive the examination requirements (32 M.R.S. § 18347; 02-313 CMR Chapter 11, Section II).
Jurisprudence Attempts
Applicants who do not pass the jurisprudence examination (grade of 90 percent) in three attempts may be preliminarily denied licensure (02-313 CMR Chapter 2, Section I(D)).
License
Active Maine dental hygienist license in good standing (02-313 CMR Chapter 2).
Other License
Licensed in another state, a United States territory, a foreign nation or a foreign administrative division that issues licenses in the dental professions, with either a substantially equivalent license held for at least 3 consecutive years or qualifications substantially similar to Maine's requirements for the authority (32 M.R.S. § 18347(1); 02-313 CMR Chapter 11, Section II).
Practice Agreement
Current written practice agreement with a supervising dentist providing direct and general supervision (32 M.R.S. § 18345(2)(F)(2); 02-313 CMR Chapter 2, Section VI(D)-(E)).
Term
Provisional authority may not exceed 3 years (32 M.R.S. § 18345(2)(F)); the Board's page states it renews one time only for a one-year period.
Provisional dental hygiene therapist authority for a Maine licensed dental hygienist (32 M.R.S. § 18345(2); 02 313 CMR Chapter 2)
Dental Hygienist Jurisprudence Examination
Clinical Examination
32 M.R.S. § 18345(2)(C)(3) and 02-313 CMR Chapter 2, Sections V(G) and VI(F) require passing all sections of a comprehensive, competency-based clinical examination approved by the Board and administered independently of the dental therapy education program. The Board's June 2025 Examination Chart names the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX, CDCA-WREB-CITA) Dental Therapy examination (OSCE and patient-based clinical skills, with a manikin-based alternative approved 8/18/2023). That examination is the dental therapy profession's licensure examination and is recorded here as a condition.
Education
Master's degree in dental therapy from a CODA-accredited program or a program meeting the Board's curriculum requirements (32 M.R.S. § 18345(2)(F)(1); 02-313 CMR Chapter 2, Section VI(B)).
Jurisprudence Attempts
Applicants who do not pass the jurisprudence examination (grade of 90 percent) in three attempts may be preliminarily denied licensure (02-313 CMR Chapter 2, Section I(D)).
License
Active Maine dental hygienist license in good standing (02-313 CMR Chapter 2).
Practice Agreement
Current written practice agreement with a supervising dentist providing direct and general supervision (32 M.R.S. § 18345(2)(F)(2); 02-313 CMR Chapter 2, Section VI(D)-(E)).
Term
Provisional authority may not exceed 3 years (32 M.R.S. § 18345(2)(F)); the Board's page states it renews one time only for a one-year period.
Provisional dental hygiene therapist authority reinstatement after license expiration (02 313 CMR Chapter 11, Section IV)
Dental Hygienist Jurisprudence Examination
Clinical Examination
32 M.R.S. § 18345(2)(C)(3) and 02-313 CMR Chapter 2, Sections V(G) and VI(F) require passing all sections of a comprehensive, competency-based clinical examination approved by the Board and administered independently of the dental therapy education program. The Board's June 2025 Examination Chart names the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX, CDCA-WREB-CITA) Dental Therapy examination (OSCE and patient-based clinical skills, with a manikin-based alternative approved 8/18/2023). That examination is the dental therapy profession's licensure examination and is recorded here as a condition.
Education
Master's degree in dental therapy from a CODA-accredited program or a program meeting the Board's curriculum requirements (32 M.R.S. § 18345(2)(F)(1); 02-313 CMR Chapter 2, Section VI(B)).
Examination Waiver
The Board may, giving due consideration to the protection of the public, waive the examination requirements (02-313 CMR Chapter 11, Section IV).
Jurisprudence Attempts
Applicants who do not pass the jurisprudence examination (grade of 90 percent) in three attempts may be preliminarily denied licensure (02-313 CMR Chapter 2, Section I(D)).
License
Active Maine dental hygienist license in good standing (02-313 CMR Chapter 2).
Practice Agreement
Current written practice agreement with a supervising dentist providing direct and general supervision (32 M.R.S. § 18345(2)(F)(2); 02-313 CMR Chapter 2, Section VI(D)-(E)).
Reinstatement
Meet the dental hygiene reinstatement requirements, file an initial authority application, pay the required fees and meet all requirements for the practice authority; if the license expired more than two years ago, apply for dental hygiene licensure and the authority anew (02-313 CMR Chapter 11, Section IV).
Term
Provisional authority may not exceed 3 years (32 M.R.S. § 18345(2)(F)); the Board's page states it renews one time only for a one-year period.
Provisional dental hygiene therapist authority renewal with the dental hygienist license (02 313 CMR Chapter 11, Section IV)
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Basic Life Support
Current basic life support certification (32 M.R.S. § 18350).
Continuing Education
Complete the continuing education required by 02-313 CMR Chapter 13 during the licensing cycle (30 credit hours per renewal for dental hygienists and faculty dental hygienists); hours earned after expiration do not count toward a late renewal.
License
The authority renews with the holder's dental hygienist license, which must meet the dental hygiene renewal requirements (02-313 CMR Chapter 11, Section IV).
Practice Agreement
Submit a current, valid practice agreement with a supervising dentist (02-313 CMR Chapter 11, Section IV(B)).
Term
The Board's page states the provisional authority renews one time only for a one-year period.
Timing
Apply on or before the expiration date, or within 90 days after expiration with a late fee (32 M.R.S. § 18349(1)-(2); 02-313 CMR Chapter 11, Section III(A)-(B)).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-10-20.

public health dental hygienist authority

Practice authority on a Maine dental hygienist license to practice public health dental hygiene under a written practice agreement with a dentist.

Licensing authority: Maine Board of Dental Practice · Application information

Public health dental hygienist authority granted by endorsement to an applicant licensed in another jurisdiction (32 M.R.S. § 18347; 02 313 CMR Chapter 11, Section II)
Dental Hygienist Jurisprudence Examination
Examination Waiver
The Board may, at its discretion, waive the examination requirements (32 M.R.S. § 18347; 02-313 CMR Chapter 11, Section II).
Jurisprudence Attempts
Applicants who do not pass the jurisprudence examination (grade of 90 percent) in three attempts may be preliminarily denied licensure (02-313 CMR Chapter 2, Section I(D)).
License
Active Maine dental hygienist license in good standing (02-313 CMR Chapter 2).
Other License
Licensed in another state, a United States territory, a foreign nation or a foreign administrative division that issues licenses in the dental professions, with either a substantially equivalent license held for at least 3 consecutive years or qualifications substantially similar to Maine's requirements for the authority (32 M.R.S. § 18347(1); 02-313 CMR Chapter 11, Section II).
Public Health Setting
Verification that services will be offered in a public health setting (32 M.R.S. § 18345(2)(B)(2); 02-313 CMR Chapter 2, Section IV(B)).
Reporting
Summary report at the completion of each program, annual report for ongoing programs and revised standing orders on any change (Board License Types page).
Written Agreement
Written agreement with a supervising dentist covering supervision level, practice settings, standing orders and coordination of care (32 M.R.S. § 18345(2)(B)(1)).
Public health dental hygienist authority for a Maine licensed dental hygienist (32 M.R.S. § 18345(2); 02 313 CMR Chapter 2)
Dental Hygienist Jurisprudence Examination
Jurisprudence Attempts
Applicants who do not pass the jurisprudence examination (grade of 90 percent) in three attempts may be preliminarily denied licensure (02-313 CMR Chapter 2, Section I(D)).
License
Active Maine dental hygienist license in good standing (02-313 CMR Chapter 2).
Public Health Setting
Verification that services will be offered in a public health setting (32 M.R.S. § 18345(2)(B)(2); 02-313 CMR Chapter 2, Section IV(B)).
Reporting
Summary report at the completion of each program, annual report for ongoing programs and revised standing orders on any change (Board License Types page).
Written Agreement
Written agreement with a supervising dentist covering supervision level, practice settings, standing orders and coordination of care (32 M.R.S. § 18345(2)(B)(1)).
Public health dental hygienist authority reinstatement after license expiration (02 313 CMR Chapter 11, Section IV)
Dental Hygienist Jurisprudence Examination
Examination Waiver
The Board may, giving due consideration to the protection of the public, waive the examination requirements (02-313 CMR Chapter 11, Section IV).
Jurisprudence Attempts
Applicants who do not pass the jurisprudence examination (grade of 90 percent) in three attempts may be preliminarily denied licensure (02-313 CMR Chapter 2, Section I(D)).
License
Active Maine dental hygienist license in good standing (02-313 CMR Chapter 2).
Public Health Setting
Verification that services will be offered in a public health setting (32 M.R.S. § 18345(2)(B)(2); 02-313 CMR Chapter 2, Section IV(B)).
Reinstatement
Meet the dental hygiene reinstatement requirements, file an initial authority application, pay the required fees and meet all requirements for the practice authority; if the license expired more than two years ago, apply for dental hygiene licensure and the authority anew (02-313 CMR Chapter 11, Section IV).
Reporting
Summary report at the completion of each program, annual report for ongoing programs and revised standing orders on any change (Board License Types page).
Written Agreement
Written agreement with a supervising dentist covering supervision level, practice settings, standing orders and coordination of care (32 M.R.S. § 18345(2)(B)(1)).
Public health dental hygienist authority renewal with the dental hygienist license (02 313 CMR Chapter 11, Section IV)
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Basic Life Support
Current basic life support certification (32 M.R.S. § 18350).
Continuing Education
Complete the continuing education required by 02-313 CMR Chapter 13 during the licensing cycle (30 credit hours per renewal for dental hygienists and faculty dental hygienists); hours earned after expiration do not count toward a late renewal.
License
The authority renews with the holder's dental hygienist license, which must meet the dental hygiene renewal requirements (02-313 CMR Chapter 11, Section IV).
Timing
Apply on or before the expiration date, or within 90 days after expiration with a late fee (32 M.R.S. § 18349(1)-(2); 02-313 CMR Chapter 11, Section III(A)-(B)).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-10-20.

Temporary License

Six-month, non-renewable Maine license to practice dental hygiene for an applicant who holds a valid dental hygiene license issued by another state.

Licensing authority: Maine Board of Dental Practice · Application information

Temporary dental hygiene license for an applicant licensed in another state (32 M.R.S. § 18347 A; 02 313 CMR Chapter 2, Section X)
Dental Hygienist Jurisprudence Examination
Documentation
Verification of current or previous licenses from other states or Canadian provinces and of life support certification (Board License Types page).
Fee
Payment of the temporary license fee; the Board may waive the fee when the license is for providing free dental care with a charitable nonprofit organization.
Other License
Active dental hygiene license in good standing issued under the laws of another state (32 M.R.S. § 18347-A; 02-313 CMR Chapter 2, Section X(A)).
Term
Issued for six months; non-renewable.
Waiver
The Board may waive the BLS and jurisprudence examination requirements for good cause (02-313 CMR Chapter 2, Section X(B)).

Dental Hygienist Jurisprudence Examination

Provider
Maine Board of Dental Practice
Format
Open-book written examination printed, completed and uploaded with the online licensure application
Exam questions
10 multiple-choice questions
Passing score
90 percent (9 of the 10 questions answered correctly)
Practice scope

Inferred from the examination name; the authority has not published an examination outline.

  • Maine Dental Practice Act (32 M.R.S. Chapter 143, Dental Professions)
  • Maine Administrative Procedure Act (5 M.R.S. Chapter 375)
  • Occupational License Disqualification on Basis of Criminal Record (5 M.R.S. Chapter 341)
  • Department of Professional and Financial Regulation (10 M.R.S. Chapter 901)
  • Maine Professional Service Corporation Act, Purposes (13 M.R.S. § 732)
  • Confidentiality of health care information (22 M.R.S. § 1711-C)
  • Maine Health Security Act (24 M.R.S. Chapter 21)
  • 02-313 CMR Chapter 1: Definitions
  • 02-313 CMR Chapter 2: Qualifications for Dental Hygienist Licensure and Dental Hygienist Practice Authorities
  • 02-313 CMR Chapter 3: Qualifications for Expanded Function Dental Assistant Licensure
  • 02-313 CMR Chapter 8: Qualifications for Initial and Renewal Registrations
  • 02-313 CMR Chapter 9: Unprofessional Conduct
  • 02-313 CMR Chapter 10: Sexual Misconduct
  • 02-313 CMR Chapter 11: Qualifications for Licensure by Endorsement; Requirements for Renewal, Late Renewal, and Reinstatement of Licensure and Authorities
  • 02-313 CMR Chapter 12: Practice Requirements
  • 02-313 CMR Chapter 13: Continuing Education
  • 02-313 CMR Chapter 14: Rules for Use of Sedation and General Anesthesia
  • 02-313 CMR Chapter 15: Practice Requirements for Teledentistry Services
  • 02-313 CMR Chapter 17: Requirements for Establishing a Board Approved Dental Therapy Program
Examination sources