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Maine Dental Assistant License

Maine Board of Dental Practice

Total Fee
$271
Processing Time
2 to 4 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

What You'll Need

  • Certificate of EFDA Training Completion — Official form signed by an authorized representative of your training program verifying completion. Download Completion Form
  • Proof of CDA or Dental Hygienist License — Verification of current DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) status or a valid Dental Hygienist license.
  • Jurisprudence Exam Results — Documentation of a passing score on the Maine EFDA Jurisprudence Exam.
  • NPDB Self-Query Report — The original report from the National Practitioner Data Bank. NPDB Website
  • BLS Certification — Proof of current, valid Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. Online-only courses are not accepted; hands-on participation is required.

How to Apply

  1. Verify Eligibility and Prerequisites ▾
    Ensure you are at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or GED. To become an Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA), you must first hold a current DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) credential or a Maine Dental Hygienist license.
  2. Complete an Approved EFDA Program ▾
    Successfully complete a Board-approved training program in expanded function dental assisting. The program must be CODA-accredited or judged equivalent by the Board.
    View Approved Programs
  3. Pass the Jurisprudence Examination ▾
    Complete the Maine Board of Dental Practice Jurisprudence Examination specific to EFDAs. A passing score of 90% is required.
    Take Jurisprudence Exam
  4. Request NPDB Self-Query ▾
    Perform a self-query of the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) and obtain the report to include with your application.
    Request NPDB Report
  5. Submit Online Application ▾
    Create an account and submit your application through the ALMS Online Services portal. Select 'Expanded Function Dental Assistant' and pay the required fees ($50 application fee + $200 license fee + $21 background fee).
    Apply Online
  6. Complete Background Check ▾
    Schedule and complete a fingerprint-based criminal history record check through IdentoGO, the state's approved vendor.
    Schedule Fingerprinting
Total Fee
$271
Processing Time
2 to 4 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

Transfer License

Contact the Maine Board of Dental Practice for current transfer requirements.

Apply to transfer

Steps

  1. Verify Out-of-State License ▾
    Ensure you hold an active EFDA license in good standing in another jurisdiction with requirements substantially similar to Maine's.
  2. Pass Maine Jurisprudence Exam ▾
    Complete the Maine EFDA Jurisprudence Exam with a score of at least 90%.
    Jurisprudence Exam
  3. Submit Pathway II Application ▾
    Apply online via the ALMS portal using the 'Endorsement' pathway. You must provide a curriculum vitae (resume) and verification of all professional licenses held.
    Online Portal
  4. Submit NPDB and BLS Proof ▾
    Provide a current NPDB self-query report and proof of hands-on BLS certification.
Total Fee
Contact board
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Maine Board of Dental Practice

Keeping Your License Active

Maine Dental Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Maine Board of Dental Practice for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Renew on the board site

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$271
Endorsement application$271

Slow Downs

Incomplete EFDA Completion Form ▾
The Board requires the specific 'Certificate of EFDA Completion Form' to be submitted directly by the educational institution. Delays occur when applicants try to submit transcripts themselves.
Missing NPDB Report ▾
The NPDB self-query must be current and the original report must be provided. Failure to include this will halt application processing.
Non-Compliant BLS Certification ▾
Maine requires BLS certification with a hands-on component. Online-only certifications are frequently rejected, causing delays.
Criminal History Review ▾
Applications with reported criminal history or disciplinary actions require additional Board review, which can extend processing time by several weeks.

Questions

Do I need a license to work as a dental assistant in Maine? ▾
Basic dental assistants performing supportive duties are not licensed by the Board. However, you must be licensed to perform expanded functions (EFDA) or to expose dental radiographs (Dental Radiographer).
What are the continuing education (CE) requirements for EFDAs? ▾
EFDAs must complete 50 hours of Board-approved continuing education every 5-year renewal cycle. You must also maintain current BLS certification.
How do I take the Jurisprudence Exam? ▾
The exam is available online through the Board's website. It is an open-book test based on the Maine Dental Practice Act and Board Rules.
Can I apply for both EFDA and Dental Radiographer licenses? ▾
Yes, many dental assistants in Maine hold both licenses. You must submit separate applications and meet the specific requirements for each.
How long does the application process take? ▾
Once a complete application is received, the estimated processing time is 3-4 weeks, provided there are no issues with the background check or required documentation.

Board Info

Maine Board of Dental Practice
Phone(207) 624-8620
Emaildental.examiners@maine.gov
Sources
State statutes