Dental Hygienist in Montana
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MT
How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Montana
To become a licensed Dental Hygienist in Montana, applicants must graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program and pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), a regional clinical exam (ADEX or CRDTS), and the Montana Jurisprudence Exam. The Montana Board of Dentistry requires a combined application and jurisprudence exam fee of $185, and the total exam cost is approximately $685. Licenses are renewed every three years, requiring 36 hours of continuing education per cycle. Applicants must also be at least 18 years old, pass a background check, and hold a current CPR, ACLS, or PALS certification.
Dental Hygienist Requirements in Montana
| Detail | Montana |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Montana Board of Dentistry |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Associate degree in Dental Hygiene from a CODA-accredited program |
| Exam | National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), a regional clinical exam (WREB, CRDTS, ADEX), and the Montana Jurisprudence Exam ($685) |
| Application Fee | $185 |
| Renewal | Every 3.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 36.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Applicants must be at least 18 years old and undergo a fingerprint background check. CPR, ACLS, or PALS certification is required, and internet courses are accepted if a hands-on evaluation of clinical competency is included. Clinical exams are valid for five years from the date of passage. The Montana Jurisprudence Exam is open-book and taken online after application submission. |
Source: Montana Board of Dentistry
Dental Hygienist Salary in Montana
The median dental hygienist salary in Montana is $94,740 per year, which is 0.5% above the national median of $94,260.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $80,440 |
| 25th | $82,850 |
| 50th (median) | $94,740 |
| 75th | $98,080 |
| 90th (experienced) | $101,410 |
Montana employs approximately 950 dental hygienists.
Dental Hygienist Job Outlook
Is Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Montana Worth It?
Factors to consider: Montana's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, and your personal career goals.