Steps to get licensed in Montana
- Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program.
- Pass the NBDHE.
- Pass the ADEX or CRDTS clinical exam within the past five years.
- Hold current CPR, ACLS, or PALS certification.
- Apply online through the Montana Board of Dentistry.
- Pass the Montana open-book jurisprudence exam online after you apply.
Board exams for Montana licensure
Every state requires the written National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). For the hands-on clinical exam, Montana accepts ADEX or CRDTS.
The American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX) exam. It was formerly given through CDCA-WREB-CITA, which included WREB and CITA.
The Central Regional Dental Testing Service exam. SRTA has merged into CRDTS.
Our dental hygiene board exam guide covers how the NBDHE works, how it's scored, and how to study.
Jurisprudence exam and local anesthesia
- Jurisprudence exam
- Required
Montana requires a jurisprudence exam on its dental laws and rules for your first license. It's open book and you take it after you apply.
- Local anesthesia
- Separate credential
Montana issues a separate local anesthesia endorsement. You need a board-approved local anesthesia exam with written and clinical parts, or qualifying out-of-state practice. An out-of-state authorization alone doesn't qualify.
Moving to Montana with a license from another state
Montana isn't a member of the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact.
If you're already licensed in another state, ask the Montana Board of Dentistry about licensure by credentials (also called endorsement or reciprocity). Our guide to getting a dental hygiene license explains how it usually works.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to become a dental hygienist in Montana?
About 3 years. BLS says dental hygiene programs usually take 3 years. ADEA puts the average associate degree program at 2 years, and most applicants finish prerequisite courses first. The one school with a dental hygiene program in Montana offers an associate degree. After you graduate, you pass the NBDHE, a clinical exam, and the jurisprudence exam, then the Montana Board of Dentistry reviews your application. Dental hygiene schools in Montana
Can I transfer my dental hygiene license to Montana?
Not automatically. Montana isn't in the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact. If you're already licensed in another state, ask the Montana Board of Dentistry about licensure by credentials (also called endorsement or reciprocity). How to get a dental hygiene license
Does Montana require a jurisprudence exam?
Yes. Montana requires a jurisprudence exam on its dental laws and rules for your first license. It's open book and you take it after you apply.
Can dental hygienists give local anesthesia in Montana?
Montana issues a separate local anesthesia endorsement. You need a board-approved local anesthesia exam with written and clinical parts, or qualifying out-of-state practice. An out-of-state authorization alone doesn't qualify.
Which clinical exams does Montana accept?
Montana accepts ADEX or CRDTS. Dental hygiene board exam guide
Sources
Last verified August 31, 2026.
- boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov /_docs/den/DEN-RDH_License-App-Checklist.pdf
- law.cornell.edu /regulations/montana/Mont-Admin-r-24.138.503
- boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov /dentistry/faq
- adextesting.org /adex-acceptance-map
- crdts.org /Examinations
- crdts.org /srta
Rules change. Confirm with the Montana Board of Dentistry before you rely on them. Official board site