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Dental Hygienist Licensing in Montana

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for dental hygienist in Montana, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 12, 2026

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Dental Hygienist in Montana

Estimated timeline: 6-24 months

Core Requirements

  • License Type: Stand-alone license
  • Education: Degree required
  • Examination: Third-party exam required
  • Application Fee: See agency
  • Experience: Work experience required
  • Background Check: No criminal record prohibitions
  • Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Board of Dentistry

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $94,740 median (1% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #22 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
  2. 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
  4. 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.

Salary Insights in Montana

With a median salary of 94,740, Dental Hygienists in Montana earn 1% above the national median of $94,260. Montana ranks #22 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.

Median annual salary

$94,740

Hourly estimate

$45.55
1% above national median

Difference: +$480

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$80,440
  • P2525th percentile$82,850
  • P50Median$94,740
  • P7575th percentile$98,080
  • P9090th percentile$101,410

State vs National Median

State: $94,740
National: $94,260

Total employment: 950 | Annual openings: N/A

Dental Hygienist Salary Ranking

#22 of 50 statesfor Dental Hygienist median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Alaska129,760
#2Washington125,370
#3California121,080
#4Oregon118,280
#5Colorado106,730

Nearby States Comparison

Dental Hygienist licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Montana$94,740Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
North Dakota$83,010Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
South Dakota$84,300Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Wyoming$82,220Specific course requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Idaho$84,990Degree requiredState exam required6-24 months

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Montana50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
North Dakota50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
South Dakota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Wyoming54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Idaho50LowState-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

Board of Dentistry

301 South Park, 4th Floor, PO Box 200513, Helena, MT, 59620-0513

Phone: 4068412390

Related Careers in Montana

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Audiologist$82,350Degree required6-24 months
Chiropractor$76,490Degree required6-24 months
Clinical Lab Technologist$65,290Degree required6-24 months
Dental Assistant$45,820Degree required6-24 months

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Dental Hygienist in Montana?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Dental Hygienists in Montana?

Montana lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Dental Hygienists.

What education do you need to become a Dental Hygienist in Montana?

The board typically expects Degree required for Dental Hygienist licensure in Montana.

What is the typical Dental Hygienist salary in Montana?

The median annual salary for Dental Hygienists in Montana is 94,740. Salaries range from $80,440 (10th percentile) to $101,410 (90th percentile).

How does the Dental Hygienist salary in Montana compare to the national average?

Dental Hygienists in Montana earn 1% above the national median of $94,260, with a state median of 94,740.

How many Dental Hygienists work in Montana?

Montana employs approximately 950 Dental Hygienists according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Dental Hygienist 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 Hygienists in Montana?

The licensing agency is Board of Dentistry. Review agency details at http://boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/den.