Dental Assistant in Montana
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MT
How to Become a Dental Assistant in Montana
In Montana, dental assistants are not required to be licensed by the state. However, to perform radiography, an assistant must pass the DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam, graduate from a CODA-accredited program, or hold military dental radiology certification. For expanded functions like restorative procedures, graduation from a CODA-accredited program is necessary. While there are no state-mandated continuing education requirements for dental assistants, those serving as anesthesia monitors must maintain current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
Dental Assistant Requirements in Montana
| Detail | Montana |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Montana Board of Dentistry |
| State License Required | No |
| Education | Not required for basic dental assisting. For expanded functions (restorative), graduation from a CODA-accredited program is required. For radiography, graduation from a CODA-accredited program, military dental radiology certification, or successful completion of a board-approved radiology written examination is required. |
| Exam | DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam for radiography ($250) |
| Notes | Montana does not license dental assistants. To perform radiography, an assistant must pass the DANB RHS exam or meet other specific requirements. To perform expanded functions (restorative), an assistant must graduate from a CODA-accredited program. Dental assistants performing intraoral procedures must be under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist. Certified Dental Assistants (CDA) may perform certain functions under general supervision. Background checks are mandatory for national exams. |
Source: Montana Board of Dentistry
Dental Assistant Salary in Montana
The median dental assistant salary in Montana is $45,820 per year, which is 3.1% below the national median of $47,300.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $36,680 |
| 25th | $39,480 |
| 50th (median) | $45,820 |
| 75th | $48,410 |
| 90th (experienced) | $57,130 |
Montana employs approximately 1,540 dental assistants.
Dental Assistant Job Outlook
AI Impact on Dental Assistants
Low AI Exposure (Score: -0.53/1.00)
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
Is Becoming a Dental Assistant in Montana Worth It?
Factors to consider: Montana's cost of living, the lack of a state license requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.