Dental Hygienist in Maine

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for ME. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$88,700

trending_down -5.9% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Maine.

engineering

1,000

Jobs (ME)

monitoring Strong

+7.0%

10-yr job growth

payments

$211

Licensing fees

schedule

2-4 years

Time to complete

route How to become a dental hygienist in Maine

To become a licensed Dental Hygienist in Maine, applicants must complete an Associate degree or higher in Dental Hygiene from a CODA-accredited program. They must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), a Board-approved clinical exam (such as ADEX or CDCA), and the Maine Jurisprudence Exam. The licensing body is the Maine Board of Dental Practice, and the application fee is $211.00, which includes a criminal background check fee. Maine also offers pathways for Independent Practice Dental Hygienists and has recently joined the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact, which will facilitate license portability with other compact states.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $79,120

25th percentile $81,500

50th (median) $88,700

75th percentile $94,390

90th (experienced) $100,580

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Maine. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Maine requirements

Licensing body	Maine Board of Dental Practice
State license	Required
Education	Associate degree in Dental Hygiene from a CODA-accredited program
Exam	National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), a Board-approved clinical exam (such as ADEX or CDCA), and the Maine Jurisprudence Exam
Application fee	$211
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	30.0 hours per cycle
Notes	CPR (BLS) certification is required. Renewal is by December 31 of even-numbered years. Maine offers opportunities for Independent Practice Dental Hygienist (IPDH) licensure, which requires additional education and experience. Maine has also joined the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact, which will allow for license portability with other participating states once fully implemented.

Source: Maine Board of Dental Practice

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+7.0%

Faster than average

Annual openings

15,300

Nationwide per year

Total employment

221,600

Nationwide

balance Is it worth it?

check_circleMaine license required — clearer credential signal to employers
check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+7.0%)

psychology

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Frequently asked questions

How do you get certified as a dental hygienist in Maine? expand_more

In Maine, becoming a dental hygienist requires you to complete the required education (Associate degree in Dental Hygiene from a CODA-accredited program), pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), a Board-approved clinical exam (such as ADEX or CDCA), and the Maine Jurisprudence Exam, and submit your application ($211 fee).

Do I need a license to work as a dental hygienist in Maine? expand_more

A state license is required in Maine. Maine Board of Dental Practice handles dental hygienist licensing — the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), a Board-approved clinical exam (such as ADEX or CDCA), and the Maine Jurisprudence Exam is part of the process.

How much does a dental hygienist make in Maine? expand_more

dental hygienists in Maine earn a median of $88,700 annually. That's 6% below the national median of $94,260. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $79,120, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $100,580.

What's the timeline to become a dental hygienist in Maine? expand_more

Most candidates in Maine complete the process in 2-4 years, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.

How many CE hours do dental hygienists need in Maine? expand_more

To keep your license active, Maine mandates 30.0 CE hours every 2.0 years.