Maryland Dental Hygienist CE

How many CE hours do Maryland dental hygienists need?

Maryland dental hygienist CE totals 30 hours of Board-approved continuing education every 2 years ( COMAR 10.44.22.04 ; Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners ). Every license expires June 30 of the second year after it was issued, so you renew on June 30 of an odd-numbered or even-numbered year depending on when your license first took effect ( COMAR 10.44.10.01 ). The next renewals are June 30, 2027 and June 30, 2028. Start with the Maryland dental hygienist CE package . Also see Maryland dentist CE .

Which CE topics are required for Maryland dental hygienists?

Every renewal you need 3 hours of infection control , counted within the 30 hours. Renewals in 2025, 2026 and 2027 may use a single Board-approved 2-hour infection control course, or two 1-hour courses, in place of the 3-hour course ( Board CE FAQ ). Two more items come due: 2 hours on abuse and neglect every other renewal, and a one-time implicit bias and structural racism training at your first renewal after April 1, 2026 ( COMAR 10.44.22.04 ; Health Occ. 1-225 ). You must also keep current CPR certification. No more than a combined 4 hours of cultural competency, military culture and implicit bias courses count toward the 30. The dentist-only prescribing and sedation requirements do not apply to hygienists.

Does Maryland accept AGD PACE credit?

Yes. Maryland's dental board pre-approves courses sponsored by the Academy of General Dentistry and recognizes courses approved through AGD PACE, as long as the course is designed to improve clinical knowledge and the ability to treat dental patients ( COMAR 10.44.22.08 ). AchieveCE is an AGD PACE approved provider (ID# 386503). AGD PACE approval does not imply acceptance by any regulatory authority or AGD endorsement.

Does Maryland audit dental hygienist CE?

Yes. The Board audits a percentage of dental hygienists each renewal cycle. If you are selected you submit certificates of completion and proof of current CPR certification ( COMAR 10.44.22.14 ). You attest to CE at renewal, and you keep your own CE records for 5 years ( COMAR 10.44.22.03 ). AchieveCE reports your completions to AGD PACE within 24 business hours, and your certificate is available the moment you finish a course. Our support team is on live chat, email, and phone, 7 days a week.

Do Maryland dental hygienists need live CE?

Yes. At least 13 of your 30 hours must come from in-person Board-approved courses or live webinars presented in real time with interaction. Up to 17 hours can be earned through self-study activities, and the Board may consider pre-recorded webinars for those 17 hours ( COMAR 10.44.22.04 ). Use our online package for the 17-hour portion, then add live CE through our live webinars and the Dentistry Advanced membership .

Do newly licensed Maryland dental hygienists need CE for their first renewal?

No. A hygienist licensed within 6 months of graduating from an approved dental hygiene school is exempt from CE at the first renewal ( COMAR 10.44.22.04 ).

Other Maryland dental licenses: Maryland dentist CE . Try Free dental CE before you buy, and browse every state and license in our CE course finder .

Last verified: October 20, 2026

Sources

• COMAR 10.44.22.04, Continuing Education Requirements

• COMAR 10.44.22.08, Approved CE Sponsors

• COMAR 10.44.22.03, Records

• COMAR 10.44.22.14, Audit of Continuing Education Records

• COMAR 10.44.10.01, Renewal of Licenses

• Md. Code Ann., Health Occ. 1-225, Implicit Bias Training

• Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners, Continuing Education FAQ

• Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners