MarylandSB 07922025 Regular SessionSenate

State Board of Dental Examiners - Expanded Function Dental Assistants - Education and Reinstatement

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

More training options for dental assistants

Beginning October 1, 2025, Maryland's dental board may approve more courses for expanded function dental assistant certification. These include DALE Foundation courses and Trapezio Orthodontic Assistant Training Solutions courses for related orthodontic procedures. Courses from successor organizations also qualify for approval. Other allowed pathways include Job Corps dental assisting programs, qualifying accredited college programs, and recognized high school programs. Programs accredited by the Council on Dental Accreditation or its successor also qualify.

Dental assistants need 35-hour certification training

Beginning October 1, 2025, initial expanded function dental assistant certification courses in Maryland must include at least 35 instruction hours. Courses must combine online and in-person lessons. The dental board must set required hours for each format and hands-on clinical training. Applicants must be at least 18, have good moral character, and hold a high school diploma or equivalent. They must complete board-approved training for the procedure, hold the appropriate Dental Assisting National Board certification, and pass any board-required exam. Applicants must also submit to a Maryland criminal history records check.

Dental assistants: education options and reinstatement rules

Beginning October 1, 2025, Maryland's dental board must set continuing education rules for expanded function dental assistants, including hands-on training. Continuing education for initial certification can include an online option; education for reinstating an expired certificate must include one. Training must come from qualifying state dental societies affiliated with national dental organizations or providers eligible for board course approval. To restore an expired certificate, holders must complete the required continuing education, apply by the board's deadline, and pay its renewal fee.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Johnny Mautz
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 184 • No: 0

House vote • 4/3/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 137 • No: 0 • Other: 1

Senate vote • 3/14/2025