Greetings: Maryland licensed dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants recognized by the Dental Board as Qualified in General Duties, dental assistants recognized by the Dental Board as Qualified in Orthodontics, and dental radiation technologists.
New Expanded Function Dental Assisting (“EFDA”) regulations took effect in
Maryland on August 31, 2026. These Frequently Asked Questions are intended to provide you and prospective EFDAs with a brief summary of the EFDA laws and regulations. This document is not a comprehensive review of the laws or the regulations. You are strongly encouraged to visit the Dental Board’s website at https://health.maryland.gov/dental to read the laws and regulations affecting the practice of expanded function dental assisting. Choose Dental Assisting > Laws and Regulations and review Maryland House Bill 968 (2022), and either Maryland House Bill 573, or Senate Bill 792, (2025), as they contain the same provisions, and the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) 10.44.01 Dental Assistants.
The Board anticipates that changes or additions may be made to these FAQs as time progresses. Therefore, please note the date at the end of this document. You may wish to periodically check the FAQs on the Board’s website to determine if a later version is available.
Laws and regulations change over time. Dentists and dental assistants are responsible for being familiar with the most current laws and regulations. The Board has made every effort to accurately report on the EFDA laws and regulations in effect at the time of this writing. However, the Board is not responsible for errors or omissions in this document. Unless otherwise noted, references are to COMAR 10.44.01.
As stated above, the EFDA laws and regulations are new. The Board asks for your patience as they are implemented.
August 31, 2026
