How to Become a Dentist in Montana
Montana — “Big Sky Country” and the Treasure State — is a place unlike anywhere else in the country. Its vast landscapes, tight-knit communities, and unhurried pace of life attract a particular kind of dentist: one who values meaningful patient relationships, outdoor living, and the chance to provide care where it is genuinely needed. Montana has no dental school of its own, but that doesn’t make the path to licensure here any less achievable. It simply means the journey starts elsewhere. Here’s everything you need to know about becoming a licensed dentist in Montana.
Step-by-Step Path to Licensure
1. Complete Your Undergraduate Education Begin with a bachelor’s degree in a science-related field such as biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or a pre-dental program. Dental schools place significant weight on your science GPA, so strong performance in anatomy, organic chemistry, and microbiology is essential. Most applicants complete a full four-year degree, though some programs will consider students after three years if all prerequisites are satisfied.
2. Take the Dental Admission Test (DAT) The DAT is a standardized exam administered by the American Dental Association (ADA) and required by all accredited dental schools. It covers natural sciences, perceptual ability, reading comprehension, and quantitative reasoning. Competitive applicants typically aim for a score of 19 or higher. The exam is offered year-round at Prometric testing centers, and most students invest six months to a year in dedicated preparation.
3. Apply to and Complete Dental School Since Montana has no in-state dental school, you will need to attend an accredited Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) program in another state. Apply through the Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS). Both degree types are clinically equivalent. Dental school is a four-year commitment: the first two years are primarily classroom and preclinical, while the final two years focus on direct patient care and clinical competency.
4. Pass the National Board Examination Before you can practice, you must pass the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE), a comprehensive written exam covering all areas of dentistry. The INBDE replaced the older two-part board structure and is typically completed during the final year of dental school.
5. Pass a Clinical Examination Montana requires candidates to pass a clinical examination accepted by the Montana Board of Dentistry. These exams assess hands-on clinical competency and are administered by regional testing agencies. Confirm which clinical exams are currently approved by the Board at the time you apply, as accepted providers can change.
6. Apply for Licensure with the Montana Board of Dentistry Once your exams are complete, submit your application to the Montana Board of Dentistry with all required documentation — including verified transcripts, exam scores, proof of CPR certification, and applicable fees. Review the Board’s checklist carefully and submit a complete application to avoid delays in processing.
7. Maintain Your License Through Continuing Education Montana requires licensed dentists to complete 60 hours of continuing education (CE) every three years to maintain active licensure. CE can be fulfilled through accredited dental associations, university-sponsored programs, professional conferences, and a range of approved online platforms.
Dental Schools to Consider
While Montana has no in-state dental school, several programs in neighboring and regional states are particularly well-suited for Montana residents — and some are specifically structured to serve students from states without dental schools.
University of Washington School of Dentistry — Seattle, WA The UWSOD is one of the most relevant options for Montana residents. It operates a regional program designed to accept students from states in the Pacific Northwest and Intermountain West that lack their own dental schools, and Montana is among the participating states. It is a highly regarded institution with strong clinical training and a deep commitment to serving rural and underserved populations.
Oregon Health & Science University School of Dentistry — Portland, OR OHSU offers a well-respected dental program in the Pacific Northwest with a strong emphasis on community-based care and public health dentistry — values that align well with the realities of practicing in a state like Montana.
University of Utah School of Dentistry — Salt Lake City, UT A solid regional option with an accredited program and proximity to Montana, the University of Utah School of Dentistry is worth considering for students who want to remain relatively close to home during their training.
University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine — Aurora, CO Another strong regional choice, the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine offers a well-regarded curriculum with opportunities in both urban and rural clinical settings.
Additional Considerations
The WICHE Professional Student Exchange Program Montana participates in the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) Professional Student Exchange Program, which helps residents of states without certain professional schools — including dentistry — attend accredited out-of-state programs at reduced tuition rates. If you are a Montana resident planning to pursue dental school, this program can represent significant cost savings and should be explored early in your planning process.
Rural and Underserved Practice Montana is one of the most rural states in the country, and access to dental care across much of the state is a persistent and serious challenge. For dentists willing to practice in smaller communities or frontier areas, the professional landscape is wide open — with reduced competition, strong community integration, and a patient population that genuinely depends on your presence.
Loan Repayment Programs Practicing in underserved areas of Montana can come with meaningful financial benefits. Both the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) and state-administered programs through the Montana Primary Care Office offer loan repayment assistance for dentists who commit to serving in designated Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs). For those carrying dental school debt, these programs are well worth pursuing.
Licensure by Credentials Dentists who are already licensed and practicing in good standing in another state may be eligible to apply for Montana licensure through a credentials-based pathway. This can significantly simplify the process for experienced practitioners who are relocating to Montana rather than entering the profession for the first time.
Teledentistry Given the state’s rural geography and the distances many patients must travel to access care, Montana has been supportive of teledentistry initiatives. For dentists interested in innovative, technology-forward practice models, teledentistry offers a practical and impactful way to extend your reach across the state.
Community Health Centers Montana has a network of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and community health centers that provide dental services to underserved populations. These settings offer stable employment, mission-driven work, and loan repayment eligibility — making them an attractive option for new graduates and experienced practitioners alike.
What Makes Montana Unique
Practicing dentistry in Montana carries a character all its own. The low population density means that many dentists serve wide geographic areas and develop deep, long-term relationships with their patients and communities. In smaller towns, your role extends beyond the clinic — dentists frequently become trusted figures in community life, contributing to local health in ways that go well beyond chairside care.
And then there is Montana itself. For dentists who value the outdoors — hiking, fishing, skiing, hunting, or simply living surrounded by extraordinary natural beauty — it is difficult to find a state that offers more. The quality of life here is genuinely exceptional, and for many dental professionals, that is reason enough.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a dentist in Montana requires a willingness to train outside the state and, often, a commitment to serving communities that have historically lacked adequate dental care. But for those who are drawn to what Montana offers — the landscape, the lifestyle, and the chance to make a real and lasting difference — the path is absolutely worth taking.
Whether you are a Montana native returning home after dental school or a dentist from another state looking for a place where your skills are needed and your life can be lived on your own terms, the Treasure State has room for you.