Dental assistants play a vital role in dental offices helping dentists and dental hygienists provide services to patients. Duties may include maintaining medical records, assisting with collection of patient information, instrument and patient preparation, taking and developing x-rays, and casting impressions. Hours are generally standard daytime with some evening and weekend flexibility depending on the facility.
You must be at least 18 years of age, have a high school diploma or equivalent and pass the Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) Exam to operate dental x-ray equipment and take x-rays in Maryland as a dental assistant.
Courses are approved by Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners. Training includes practical experience in a dental lab and practice using dental software in a computer lab. Clinical portion of Oral Radiography may be completed at place of employment or at Maryland State Dental Association (MSDA).
View current course offerings. Not all courses are offered in every schedule.
90 hours
$1,865
Students who successfully complete Oral Radiography will be eligible to take the Radiation Health and Safety examination through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). This certification is required in Maryland for anyone who takes dental x-rays.
AHE-046 CPR Healthcare Provider/BLS AHE-099 Expanded Functions: General Chairside AHE-270 Radiation Safety Update
$15 - 17/hr.
*Unless noted, cost does not include any required textbooks, applicable licensing fees, background check fees, testing fees, etc. **Wages are based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and are estimates only.