Licensure, registration, and renewal requirements
What the domain tests
This domain covers how a person becomes and stays credentialed in Montana: application, examination or credentials review, license issuance, renewal, continuing education, inactive status, and reinstatement. It also tests the limits of assistant credentials. The Board of Dentistry administers licensure under the Dental Practice Act and its rules; the Board’s application instructions and fee schedule control, not informal advice.
Core rules
- Dentist and hygienist applicants must submit a complete application, fees, proof of education and clinical examination, jurisprudence requirements, and background information the Board requires.
- Renewal is active, not automatic: timely fee, CE attestation, and disclosure of changes or discipline. Late practice on a lapsed license is unlicensed practice.
- Inactive or retired status does not authorize practice; reinstatement may require fees, CE, and an explanation.
- Dental assistants work under supervision; expanded duties require board-recognized training and documentation. A private DANB certificate is not a Montana hygienist license.
Worked example
A hygienist licensed in another state has an active license and an interview in Montana. She asks whether she can work for two weeks while her Montana application is pending. No-unless Montana issues a temporary permit or license, she cannot practice. The employer also violates the Act by aiding unlicensed practice.
Traps
Assuming continuing education automatically carries over; assuming another state’s license is reciprocal; letting a registration lapse while still seeing patients; treating a private assistant certificate as authority to perform hygiene treatment.