Best Dental Assistant Schools in Montana

If you want to work in healthcare without going to medical school, becoming a dental assistant is one of the fastest ways in. Montana has several schools and training programs that can prepare you for this career in less than two years.

Dental assistants help dentists with patient care, office tasks, and sometimes lab work. The right training program will teach you both the hands-on and administrative skills you need to get hired.

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Montana

Montana does not have a mandatory state license for basic dental assisting duties. However, expanded functions-such as radiography-require specific training and credentialing.

Here's the usual path most people in Montana take:

1. Complete a dental assistant program at an accredited school or through on-the-job training.
2. Earn certifications for specialized tasks like dental radiography through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).
3. Apply for Expanded Functions recognition with the Montana Board of Dentistry, if you plan to perform those duties.
4. Keep your credentials current with required continuing education.

Montana Rule: Only dental assistants who complete approved training in radiographic procedures and pass the DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam may take dental X-rays in Montana.
Source: Montana Board of Dentistry

Accredited Dental Assistant Schools in Montana

Choosing the right school matters. Look for programs that are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) or have a strong track record of graduates passing national certification exams.

Here are some of the best options in Montana:

1. Great Falls College Montana State University - Great Falls, MT

• Program: Dental Assisting Certificate of Applied Science
• Length: 11 months
• Key Features: CODA accredited, includes clinical rotations, eligibility to take DANB exams after completion.
• Website: https://www.gfcmsu.edu

2. Montana State University Billings - City College of MSU Billings, MT

• Program: Dental Assisting Certificate
• Length: 1 year
• Key Features: Mix of classroom, lab, and clinical learning. Prepares for both entry-level and expanded duties.
• Website: https://www.msubillings.edu

3. University of Providence - Great Falls, MT

• Program: Certificate in Dental Assisting
• Length: 1 year
• Key Features: Small class sizes, includes externship, focus on patient care and office administration.
• Website: https://www.uprovidence.edu

4. Salish Kootenai College - Pablo, MT

• Program: Dental Assisting Certificate
• Length: 1 year
• Key Features: Culturally grounded curriculum, training for rural and tribal community needs.
• Website: https://www.skc.edu

Training Program Comparison

What You'll Learn in a Dental Assistant Program

Most Montana programs cover:

• Dental terminology
• Chairside assisting techniques
• Dental materials and equipment
• Radiography
• Infection control
• Patient communication
• Office management software

You'll also get hands-on clinical experience working with real patients under supervision.

Certification and Expanded Functions

After graduation, you can take the DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam. This isn't a Montana requirement for basic duties but can make you more competitive in the job market.

Expanded functions training can allow you to assist with:

• Placing and removing dental dams
• Applying sealants
• Taking dental radiographs
• Coronal polishing

Questions to Ask Before Enrolling

Before choosing a school, contact them directly and ask:

• Is the program CODA accredited?
• How many students pass the DANB exams?
• Does the school help with job placement?
• How many hours of clinical training are included?
• What are the total program costs, including books and exam fees?

Getting Started

If you want the quickest path, look for programs starting in the next semester and make sure you meet prerequisites like a high school diploma or GED.

Some programs have limited spots and require early applications. In Montana, dental assisting is in demand, so getting trained now can help you enter the workforce quickly.

Summary

Becoming a dental assistant in Montana takes less than a year of training in most cases. Focus on accredited programs that offer strong clinical experience and prepare you for certification. That extra step can make a big difference in your career options.

Next Step: Visit the websites of the schools listed above, request program details, and compare start dates. Apply early to secure your spot.

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