Montana Dental Assistant License
Montana Board of Dentistry
Total Fee
Contact board
Processing Time
No state application
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
What You'll Need
- DANB RHS Certificate — Required only if the dental assistant will be performing radiographic exposures (X-rays).
- CODA Transcripts — Proof of graduation from a CODA-accredited dental assisting program serves as qualification for radiology and expanded duties.
- CPR Certification — While not a state filing requirement, most employers and national certification bodies (like DANB) require current BLS/CPR certification.
How to Apply
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Secure Employment ▾Montana does not license or register dental assistants at the state level. You must first find a position in a dental office where a licensed dentist will supervise your training.
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Complete In-Office Training ▾Receive direct instruction and training from your supervising licensed dentist. The dentist is responsible for ensuring you are competent to perform basic supportive dental procedures.
View Allowable Duties -
Obtain Radiology Qualification ▾To legally expose X-rays, you must either graduate from a CODA-accredited program or pass the DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam. Alternatively, you can complete a board-approved course such as the one offered by the Montana Dental Association.
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Maintain Proof of Competency ▾Montana law requires that proof of your radiology certification or CODA graduation be kept at the dental office and made readily available for review by the public or the Board upon request.
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Optional: Pursue CDA Certification ▾Becoming a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) allows you to perform certain functions under general supervision rather than direct supervision.
Total Fee
Contact board
Processing Time
No state application
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Contact the Montana Board of Dentistry for current transfer requirements.
Steps
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Out-of-State Radiology Recognition ▾Montana no longer automatically accepts radiology certifications from other states. Out-of-state assistants must pass a board-approved written exam (like the DANB RHS) to qualify in Montana.
Total Fee
Contact board
Renewal Cycle
N/A - Montana does not license general Dental Assistants
Compact
No
Board
Montana Board of Dentistry
Keeping Your License Active
Montana Dental Assistant licenses renew N/A - Montana does not license general Dental Assistants. Contact the Montana Board of Dentistry for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|
Slow Downs
Lack of Radiology Certification
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Dental assistants often assume they can take X-rays immediately; however, they must first pass the RHS exam or a board-approved course, which can take several weeks to schedule and complete.
Employer Verification Failure
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Since the Board does not track DAs, the burden of proof is on the dentist. Delays in clinical work occur if the dentist has not properly documented the assistant's training and certifications.
Questions
Do I need a license to be a dental assistant in Montana?
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No. Montana does not require licensure or registration for dental assistants. They are classified as dental auxiliaries and work under the supervision and responsibility of a licensed dentist.
Can I take X-rays without a certificate?
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No. To legally perform radiographic procedures, you must pass the DANB RHS exam, graduate from a CODA-accredited program, or complete a board-approved radiology course.
What is the difference between direct and general supervision in Montana?
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Direct supervision requires the dentist to be in the office while the procedure is performed. General supervision allows certain tasks (for CDAs only) to be performed while the dentist is not physically present, provided they have authorized the treatment.
Are there continuing education (CE) requirements for Montana dental assistants?
▾
The state does not mandate CE for dental assistants. However, if you hold a national DANB certification (like CDA), you must meet DANB's annual CE requirements to maintain that credential.
Board Info
Sources
State statutes