Dental Assistant Requirements in Montana

November 22, 2024
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By: Ronda Holman

Are you looking to become a dental assistant or are moving as a current dental assistant? Make sure to check the dental assistant requirements in Montana to see if you are still qualified in the state to practice.

Each state has different requirements for dental assistants, here are the levels, and functions permitted for dental assistants in MT.

Levels of Dental Assistants in Montana

There are two levels of dental assistants in MO:

  1. Dental Auxiliary
  2. DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA)

1. Dental Auxiliary

A dental auxiliary in Montana may perform basic supportive dental procedures specified by the state dental practice act under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist. To qualify, one must:

  • Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental assisting program, OR
  • Receive instruction and training by a licensed dentist, OR
  • Receive instruction and training in a Montana Board-approved continuing education course.

2. DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA)

To perform duties under the general supervision of a licensed dentist, a dental auxiliary must:

  • Hold DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification

Visit the Montana Board of Dentistry for more information.

Montana Radiography Requirements

To legally operate dental x-ray equipment and perform dental radiographic procedures in Montana, a dental assistant or dental auxiliary in the state of Montana must:

  • Successfully complete the national DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam. After successful completion of the RHS exam, DANB will issue the assistant a DANB RHS certificate of knowledge-based competence. Dental assistants are not legally allowed to expose radiographs in Montana until they receive a certificate from DANB, OR
  • Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental assisting program, OR
  • Be certified in dental radiography as a result of military experience.

To expose radiographs under the general supervision of a licensed dentist, a dental auxiliary must hold DANB’s CDA certification.

Note: Effective Jan. 1, 2016, radiology certification from other states will no longer be accepted, with the exception of a board-approved written examination. Dental auxiliaries who acquired radiology certification in other states and were employed as dental auxiliaries in Montana prior to Jan. 1, 2016, will be grandfathered.

Photo by Kerry

Ronda Holman

Ronda Holman

Ronda Holman found her passion for dental assisting while in the Air Force. She assisted in oral surgery, general dentistry, and ended her four-year service as a prophy tech, the military’s version of a dental hygienist. She married and spent 13 years traveling the country while her husband served in the Air Force. Each time Ronda relocated she got the opportunity to work in a new dental office, where she picked up pearls that have helped her become an expert in educating dental assistants. Her interests are immediate denture/partial fabrication, CEREC technology, patient education, and striving for optimal chairside skills. Ronda believes that every dental assistant has the potential to be a rock star assistant if given the right tools and guidance.

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