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Dental Hygienist
Total cost: $185
Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
Dental hygiene school accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) per 37-4-302, MCA
Degree Required
Required
NBDHE
Required
Clinical Exam
$185
Total Initial Fees
36 hrs
CE Hours
Allowed
Local Anesthesia
Dental hygiene school accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) per 37-4-302, MCA Program must be CODA (Commission on Dental Accreditation) accredited. Program length: 2-3 years.
Pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). Format: 350 multiple-choice questions (200 discipline-based + 150 case-based), computer-based, 9 hours, administered by Pearson VUE. Passing score: 75. Exam fee: $685.
Pass a clinical board examination. Montana accepts: ADEX, CRDTS, SRTA, CITA (must be within 5 years).
Pass the Montana dental jurisprudence exam. Montana Dental Jurisprudence Examination. Passing score: 75.
Obtain current CPR/BLS certification, pass a criminal background check, CPR/ACLS/PALS (flexible -- any accepted), LA endorsement, Fingerprint background check, Liability insurance for LAP holders.
Submit your application to the Montana Board of Dentistry. Application fee: $185 (comprised of $100 application fee + $85 jurisprudence exam fee). License fee: $5-$10. Total initial fees: $185.
Renew your license every Triennial (3 years). 36 CE hours required. Renewal fee: $170.
CE Hours Required
36 hours
Per triennial (3 years) renewal cycle
Renewal Cycle
Triennial (3 years)
Required CE Topics
2 topic areas
All 36 hours may be from home study (unusual), LAP holders require additional 12 hours per cycle
Renewal Fee
$170
Degree Required
CODA-Accredited Program Required
Program Details
2-3 years
Program Length
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Required
NBDHE (National Board)
Required
Clinical Exam
Required
Jurisprudence Exam
National Board Exam (NBDHE)
VerifiedExam Name
National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE)
Passing Score
75%
Exam Format
350 multiple-choice questions (200 discipline-based + 150 case-based), computer-based, 9 hours, administered by Pearson VUE
Clinical Exam
VerifiedAccepted Clinical Exams
Jurisprudence Exam
VerifiedExam Name
Montana Dental Jurisprudence Examination
Passing Score
75%
Overall licensing difficulty: 16/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
NBDHE (National Board Dental Hygiene Exam)
Browse study guides
Dental Hygiene Exam Prep Books
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
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Study guides and practice tests for the NBDHE licensing exam.
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Official Title
Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH)
Requirements
CODA-accredited program, NBDHE (75 passing), clinical exam (within 5 years), jurisprudence exam (75%, $85 fee), CPR/ACLS/PALS, fingerprint background check
Supervision
General supervision (supervising dentist must be licensed AND residing in Montana)
Additional Requirements
Official Title
Limited Access Permit (LAP) for Public Health
Requirements
RDH license plus LAP application; allows preventive services, fluoride, sealants, root planing, oral cancer screening, radiographs, and limited prescriptive authority in public health settings
Supervision
Public health supervision (greater independence than general)
Additional Requirements
Permitted Procedures
VerifiedAllowed
Local Anesthesia
Not Allowed
Nitrous Oxide
Not Allowed
Restorative Duties
Not Allowed
Laser Use
Notes
LA permitted with endorsement; N2O NOT permitted; no restorative or laser privileges; LAP holders may perform preventive services, fluoride, sealants, root planing, oral cancer screening, radiographs, and have limited prescriptive authority
Permitted Supervision Arrangements
VerifiedGeneral Supervision
Dentist authorizes procedures but need not be present
Direct Supervision
Dentist must be present in the facility
Indirect Supervision
Dentist has authorized procedures and is available
Unsupervised Practice
Hygienist can practice independently without a dentist
Notes
General supervision for standard duties; IMPORTANT: supervising dentist must be licensed AND residing in Montana (unique requirement); LAP holders have public health supervision with greater independence
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Application by examination; by credentials $260 | $185 (comprised of $100 application fee + $85 jurisprudence exam fee) |
Exam Fee NBDHE $600 (ADA/Pearson VUE) + jurisprudence exam $85 | $685 |
License Fee Volunteer license fee | $5-$10 |
Renewal Fee Triennial ($140 renewal + $30 MPDR assessment) | $170 |
Total Initial Fees Application by exam $185 (or by credentials $260); excludes NBDHE ($600) and jurisprudence ($85) | $185 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
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Renewal & CE Requirements
VerifiedTriennial (3 years)
Renewal Period
36 hrs
CE Hours Required
CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$170
Triennial ($140 renewal + $30 MPDR assessment)
Regulatory Board
Dental hygienist licenses must be renewed on schedule. Most states require continuing education covering infection control, CPR/BLS, ethics, and clinical topics relevant to dental hygiene practice.
For a deeper dive into CE requirements and deadlines, see our dental hygienist license renewal guide.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
Reciprocity Type
By credentials
Transfer Details
Montana accepts out-of-state licenses by credentials for $260; applicants must pass the Montana jurisprudence exam (75%, $85 fee)
Additional Requirements for Transfer
Dental hygienist license reciprocity varies by state. Many states offer licensure by credentials or endorsement for hygienists with active licenses in other states, though additional exams or documentation may be required.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Montana with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
CPR/BLS Certification Required
Background Check Required
Malpractice Insurance Required
CPR/ACLS/PALS (flexible -- any accepted)
LA endorsement
Fingerprint background check
Liability insurance for LAP holders
Supervising dentist must reside in Montana; triennial (3-year) cycle; LAP has prescriptive authority (rare); all CE may be home study; CPR/ACLS/PALS all accepted; jurisprudence has separate $85 fee
Montana has a TRIENNIAL (3-year) renewal cycle.
Supervising dentist must be licensed AND residing in Montana (unique requirement).
LAP holders have limited prescriptive authority (uncommon for dental hygienists).
All 36 CE hours may be from home study (very flexible).
CPR, ACLS, or PALS certification all accepted (flexible).
Clinical exams must be within 5 years.
Jurisprudence exam has a separate $85 fee.
LAP holders require liability insurance and additional 12 CE hours.
Volunteer license available for $5-$10.
Dental Hygienist requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montana (you) | $185 | 112–226 wks | |
| Idaho | $280 | 112–226 wks | → |
| North Dakota | — | 112–226 wks | → |
| South Dakota | $140+ | 112–226 wks | → |
| Wyoming | $200+ | 112–226 wks | → |
Other professional licenses in Montana
See how Montana compares: Dental Hygienist License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Related Guides
Compare dental hygienist requirements across all states →
Dental Hygienist licensing requirements nationwide →
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How does Montana compare to other states for dental hygienist? See the full comparison →
Calculate the return on investment for your dental hygienist license →
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Montana.
Dental Hygienist Schools in Montana
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Moving to Montana? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Dental Hygienist license to Montana →
Transfer your Dental Hygienist license from Montana to: Idaho → | North Dakota → | South Dakota → | Wyoming →
Montana requires a Dental hygiene school accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) per 37-4-302, MCA from a CODA-accredited program. The NBDHE is required. Dental hygienists may administer local anesthesia. All licensing is managed through the Montana Board of Dentistry.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state dental board.