Steps to get licensed in Maine
- Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program with an associate degree or higher.
- Pass the NBDHE.
- Pass all sections of the ADEX or CRDTS clinical exam.
- Pass the Maine jurisprudence exam (90% to pass).
- Hold current CPR/BLS certification with a hands-on component.
- Apply online to the Maine Board of Dental Practice with a criminal history record check.
Board exams for Maine licensure
Every state requires the written National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). For the hands-on clinical exam, Maine accepts ADEX or CRDTS.
The American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX) exam. It was formerly given through CDCA-WREB-CITA, which included WREB and CITA.
The Central Regional Dental Testing Service exam. SRTA has merged into CRDTS.
Our dental hygiene board exam guide covers how the NBDHE works, how it's scored, and how to study.
Jurisprudence exam and local anesthesia
- Jurisprudence exam
- Required
Maine requires a jurisprudence exam on its dental laws and rules for your first license. You need 90% to pass.
- Local anesthesia
- Separate credential
Maine grants local anesthesia practice authority through a separate board application. Nitrous oxide analgesia needs its own authority.
Moving to Maine with a license from another state
Maine is one of 13 states that have enacted the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact. Once the compact commission starts issuing privileges, a hygienist licensed in one member state will be able to practice in the others. It isn't issuing them yet.
If you're already licensed in another state, ask the Maine Board of Dental Practice about licensure by credentials (also called endorsement or reciprocity). Our guide to getting a dental hygiene license explains how it usually works.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to become a dental hygienist in Maine?
About 3 years. BLS says dental hygiene programs usually take 3 years. ADEA puts the average associate degree program at 2 years, and most applicants finish prerequisite courses first. Of the 2 schools with dental hygiene programs in Maine, 1 offers an associate degree and all offer a bachelor's degree. After you graduate, you pass the NBDHE, a clinical exam, and the jurisprudence exam, then the Maine Board of Dental Practice reviews your application. Dental hygiene schools in Maine
Can I transfer my dental hygiene license to Maine?
Not automatically yet. Maine has enacted the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact, but the compact commission isn't issuing privileges to practice yet. If you're already licensed in another state, ask the Maine Board of Dental Practice about licensure by credentials (also called endorsement or reciprocity). How to get a dental hygiene license
Does Maine require a jurisprudence exam?
Yes. Maine requires a jurisprudence exam on its dental laws and rules for your first license. You need 90% to pass.
Can dental hygienists give local anesthesia in Maine?
Maine grants local anesthesia practice authority through a separate board application. Nitrous oxide analgesia needs its own authority.
Which clinical exams does Maine accept?
Maine accepts ADEX or CRDTS. Dental hygiene board exam guide
Sources
Last verified August 31, 2026.
- maine.gov /dental/documents/chapter_2.pdf
- maine.gov /dental/jurisprudence-examinations.html
- maine.gov /dental/documents/dental_hygiene_examination_c…
- ddhcompact.org /compact-map
- adextesting.org /adex-acceptance-map
- crdts.org /srta
Rules change. Confirm with the Maine Board of Dental Practice before you rely on them. Official board site