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How to become a licensed dental hygienist in Montana. Degree required: CODA-accredited dental hygiene program. NBDHE: required. Local anesthesia permitted. Total initial fees: $185. Verified 2026-03-08. Data verified 2026-03-08. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Dental Hygienist
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94% of data points are verified against official sources. 3 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
CODA-accredited dental hygiene program
Degree Required
Required
NBDHE
Required
Clinical Exam
$185
Total Initial Fees
36 hrs
CE Hours
Allowed
Local Anesthesia
Degree Required
CODA-Accredited Program Required
Program Details
2-3 years
Program Length
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%
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 |
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 |
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.
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.
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.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Montana.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#23 of 51
Cost
#23 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Dental Hygienists (SOC 29-1292)
Entry Level
$82,850
25th percentile
Median
$94,740
+1% vs. national avg ($94,260)Experienced
$98,080
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
950 employed in this state
Source: BLS OEWS – Dental Hygienists (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+4.7%
Average GrowthNew Jobs
+10,200
over 10 years
Annual Openings
12,200
per year (avg.)
218,200 currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Dental Career Ladder+248% salary growth potential
You are here
Dental Hygienist
$94,740
Associate/bachelor's in dental hygiene + NBDHE
Dental assisting program (9-12 months)
$45,820
You are here
Dental Hygienist
Associate/bachelor's in dental hygiene + NBDHE
$94,740
DDS/DMD degree (4 years) + INBDE
$159,480
Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024 for this state. Career paths represent common advancement routes — actual progression may vary. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 112–226 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Study guides and practice tests for the NBDHE licensing exam.
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Montana requires a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program 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.