Dental Assistant in Montana

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MT. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$45,820

trending_down -3.1% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Montana.

engineering

1,540

Jobs (MT)

monitoring Strong

+6.4%

10-yr job growth

payments

$250

Licensing fees

schedule

Varies

Time to complete

route 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.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $36,680

25th percentile $39,480

50th (median) $45,820

75th percentile $48,410

90th (experienced) $57,130

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Montana. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Montana requirements

Licensing body	Montana Board of Dentistry
State license	Not required
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

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+6.4%

Faster than average

Annual openings

52,900

Nationwide per year

Total employment

381,900

Nationwide

neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -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.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

infoNo state license required — lower barrier but weaker signal
check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+6.4%)
check_circleLow AI disruption risk

psychology

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Frequently asked questions

How do you get certified as a dental assistant in Montana? expand_more

Montana requires dental assistants to complete the required 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.), and pass the DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam for radiography.

Can I work as a dental assistant in Montana without a license? expand_more

No state license is needed to work as a dental assistant in Montana. Note: 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.

What do dental assistants earn in Montana? expand_more

In Montana, the median pay for dental assistants comes to $45,820/year. That's roughly in line with the $47,300 national median. New dental assistants start around $36,680; seasoned professionals can reach $57,130.

What are the fees to become a dental assistant in Montana? expand_more

Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($250) plus your education and training.

How many months or years does dental assistant certification take in Montana? expand_more

Most candidates in Montana complete the process in Varies, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.