Application Fee
See agencyVerified by MT Board of Healthcare
Dental Assistant Licensing in Montana
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for dental assistant in Montana, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Dental Assistant in Montana
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 4
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Board of Dentistry
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$45,820 median (3% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#35 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Montana eligibility requirements for Dental Assistant licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
- 6. Submit the application to Board of Dentistry and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Montana
With a median salary of $45,820, Dental Assistants in Montana earn 3% below the national median of $47,300. Montana ranks #35 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+3.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,173Median annual salary
$45,820Hourly estimate
$22.033% below national median
Difference: -$1,480
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationDental Assistant Salary Ranking
#35 of 50 statesfor Dental Assistant median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Minnesota | $64,630 |
| #2 | Massachusetts | $57,960 |
| #3 | Oregon | $57,720 |
| #4 | Washington | $57,040 |
| #5 | Alaska | $55,950 |
Nearby States Comparison
Dental Assistant licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montana | $45,820 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| North Dakota | $51,310 | No educational requirements | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| South Dakota | $47,680 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Wyoming | $42,770 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Idaho | $39,460 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montana | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| North Dakota | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| South Dakota | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Wyoming | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Idaho | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Board of Dentistry
301 South Park, 4th Floor, PO Box 200513, Helena, MT, 59620-0513
Phone: 4068412390
Related Careers in Montana
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | $459,360 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Athletic Trainer | $61,590 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Audiologist | $82,350 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Dental Assistant in Montana?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Dental Assistants in Montana?
Montana lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Dental Assistants.
What education do you need to become a Dental Assistant in Montana?
The board typically expects Degree required for Dental Assistant licensure in Montana.
What is the typical Dental Assistant salary in Montana?
The median annual salary for Dental Assistants in Montana is $45,820. Salaries range from $36,680 (10th percentile) to $57,130 (90th percentile).
How does the Dental Assistant salary in Montana compare to the national average?
Dental Assistants in Montana earn 3% below the national median of $47,300, with a state median of $45,820.
How many Dental Assistants work in Montana?
Montana employs approximately 1,540 Dental Assistants according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Dental Assistant license to Montana from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Dental Assistants in Montana?
The licensing agency is Board of Dentistry. Review agency details at http://boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/den.
How often do you renew a Dental Assistant license in Montana?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.