Montana Dental Practice Act: scope, definitions, and licensing authority
What the domain tests
This domain tests how Montana structures dental regulation: which acts count as “dentistry,” who may perform them, and which body makes licensing decisions. The Dental Practice Act is in MCA Title 37, chapter 4; the Board of Dentistry is the licensing authority, and its rules appear in ARM Title 24, chapter 138. The Board adopts rules, reviews applications, and decides discipline within statutory limits. A local health department or private certifying board does not replace the Board.
Core rules
- “Dentistry” is broad: diagnosis, treatment, surgery, prescription, and correction of oral conditions. Calling a procedure “cosmetic” does not remove it from the Act.
- “Dental hygiene” is the limited practice authorized for hygienists; it is not an unlimited delegation category for assistants.
- Licensure is personal and nontransferable. Practicing without a license, or helping an unlicensed person practice, is prohibited.
- Statutory exemptions are narrow-typically licensed physicians in specified circumstances and students in board-approved programs.
Worked example
A business offers light-activated whitening and says no drilling means it is not dentistry. The Board looks at whether the service involves diagnosis, treatment of oral disease, or a procedure reserved to licensees. Advertising language does not control. If the service falls within the Act, unlicensed practice is occurring.
Traps
Do not assume “cosmetic” is exempt; do not treat board guidance as optional; do not confuse a specialty credential or another state’s license with Montana licensure.