Quick facts
- Board Name
- Montana Board of Dentistry
- Renewal Cycle
- 2 years, ending December 31 of odd-numbered years
- Rule Citation
- Administrative Rules of Montana (ARM) 24.138.505
- Hour Requirement
- 40 credit hours
- State-Mandated Topics
- Infection Control (2 hrs), CPR Certification
- Records Retention
- 3 years (see ARM 24.138.506)
Governing authority and what the rule requires
The Montana Board of Dentistry is the governing body responsible for overseeing dental professionals in the state. Its authority is granted by the Montana Code Annotated (MCA), specifically Title 37, Chapter 4, which is the state's dental practice act. The board's specific rules on continuing education and audits are detailed in the Administrative Rules of Montana (ARM), primarily within Title 24, Chapter 138.
How Montana dental CE audits typically work
After a renewal cycle the board reviews a sample of attestations. If selected, you will receive a notice through the email or address on file with a defined response window. Most audits close quietly when records match what was attested. The steps below are typical for Montana.
- The Board of Dentistry randomly selects a percentage of licensed dentists for a CE audit after each renewal period.
- If you are selected, the board will send an audit notice to the mailing or email address on file.
- You will be required to submit copies of your CE certificates and any other required documentation to the board, typically within a 30-day window.
- The board staff reviews your submission to verify compliance with the 40-hour requirement and all specific topic mandates.
- You will be notified once the review is complete and the audit is closed.
- The licensee is then notified that the audit is closed, or if there are deficiencies, you will be contacted regarding next steps.
Documentation commonly requested
Audit notices are usually specific about what they want. Read the notice slowly and make a checklist directly from it. The most common items requested for dentists include:
- Copies of certificates of completion for each CE course.
- Proof of current CPR certification at the healthcare provider level.
- Course descriptions or outlines if the title does not clearly state the content.
- Documentation should clearly show the course provider, date, number of hours awarded, and your name.
- Records must be maintained for three years following the renewal period you are audited for.
Montana-specific mandated topics
Beyond a total hour count, Montana requires specific subject-matter CE within the cycle. Make sure each mandated topic is covered by a certificate that names the topic explicitly.
- **Infection Control:** All dentists must complete at least two (2) hours of CE in infection control, per ARM 24.138.505(4).
- **Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR):** In addition to the 40 CE hours, dentists must maintain a current CPR certification at the healthcare provider level, as stated in ARM 24.138.505(6). While the certification is mandatory, the hours for the course itself do not typically count toward the 40-hour requirement.
- **Opioid Prescribing:** While not a specific recurring CE mandate, responsible prescribing of controlled substances is a critical area of professional practice. CE in this area is highly recommended and may be required to fulfill requirements related to pharmacology or risk management.
Common pitfalls dentists run into
- Not keeping your contact information updated with the board, which could cause you to miss the audit notice.
- Failing to complete the two-hour infection control mandate.
- Forgetting that the CPR certification is an additional requirement and does not count towards your 40 hours.
- Misplacing CE certificates, so be sure to have a reliable digital or physical storage system.
- Waiting until the last minute to complete your CE, which can lead to a shortage of hours or approved courses.
How to assemble a clean response
Gather your records in one place. A folder on your desktop, a printed binder, or a shared drive all work. You don't need a complicated system. You just need to be able to find things.
Name each PDF clearly with the date, course title, and number of hours. Group certificates by category that maps to the board's request: mandated topics, general dental CE, CPR/BLS. Add a one-page cover sheet that summarizes total hours and points the reviewer to the matching documents.
If your hours fall short
First-time shortfalls are usually handled administratively. Boards generally allow a defined window to complete makeup hours and submit updated documentation. Honest, prompt communication is far better than silence.
If the shortfall is significant or repeated, the board may move toward formal action. At that point, calm documentation of how you are coming into compliance, plus a written plan to prevent recurrence, makes a meaningful difference.
Possible outcomes
- **No Action:** If your documentation is complete and satisfies all requirements, the board will close the audit with no further action.
- **Corrective Action:** For minor deficiencies, such as being short a few hours, the board may allow you to make up the hours within a specified timeframe (see ARM 24.138.506).
- **Discipline:** Significant non-compliance or fraudulent submissions are considered unprofessional conduct under MCA 37-4-321. This can lead to disciplinary action ranging from fines and public reprimand to license suspension or revocation, as outlined in MCA 37-1-312.
- **Fines:** The board has the authority to levy fines for violations of the practice act or board rules.
- **Inactive Status:** If you cannot meet the CE requirements, you may have the option to place your license on inactive status, but you cannot practice dentistry in Montana while inactive.
- **Nonrenewal:** The board may refuse to renew a license if the dentist fails to meet the CE requirements.
A simple audit-response checklist
- 1Read the audit notice slowly. Note the deadline and exact list of documents requested.
- 2Make a simple folder labeled with the cycle dates being audited.
- 3Pull certificates of completion for every CE activity in that cycle.
- 4Match each certificate to the topic area or category your board requires.
- 5Save proof of license renewal and any required attestations.
- 6If a certificate is missing, contact the provider for a duplicate before the deadline.
- 7Scan everything as clean PDFs, named with date and course title.
- 8Submit through the channel the board requests. Keep a copy and a confirmation.
Save $106 on MedBridge CEU plans
Continuing education is part of protecting your license. BoardWise has partnered with MedBridge to help dentists access high-quality CEU courses at a lower cost. Use code BOARDWISE to save $106 on an individual MedBridge CEU plan.
Explore MedBridge CEU coursesMedBridge is a separate service. BoardWise may receive a referral benefit. The discount code is subject to MedBridge terms.
Frequently asked questions
Real Outcomes Reported by BoardWise Users
BoardWise users have reported outcomes including:
- Complaint dismissals
- Successful responses to board inquiries
- Passing continuing education audits
- Early probation termination
- Improved understanding of licensing board procedures
Individual outcomes vary and depend on the facts of each case.
Optional Attorney Document Review
Before you send anything to the board, BoardWise can match dentist in Montana with an independent, state-licensed attorney for an optional limited-scope review of the document you prepared:
- We match you with an independent attorney licensed in your state
- They review and suggest revisions to your document before you submit it to the board
- Focused, limited-scope review at a fixed fee rather than a full retainer
- A second set of eyes on wording, tone, and anything that may need a closer look
What does the attorney review cost? Pricing depends on the complexity of your matter and the scope of review, but most BoardWise lawyer reviews are approximately $250–$500. You’ll see the specific fee before deciding whether to proceed.
Optional limited-scope attorney review may be available for an additional fixed fee. Attorney availability, conflicts review, eligibility requirements, and additional terms apply. If an attorney accepts the matter, the client will contract with and pay the independent attorney directly.
Print & FedEx Overnight Delivery
Finishing the document is only part of the job. BoardWise Document Delivery lets dentist in Montana send the finished packet straight to the board without a trip to the post office:
- FedEx Overnight delivery for street addresses when your deadline is close
- USPS Priority Express and USPS Certified Mail for P.O. Box board addresses
- Printing, packaging, and postage handled for you, with tracking on every order
- Confirmation and tracking details emailed to you as your package moves
What does it cost? $150 for FedEx Overnight and $99 for USPS Priority Express or Certified Mail. You see the exact price and the full address details before you authorize the order.
Printing and mailing are fulfilled by Mailform. You are responsible for meeting your own deadline, so keep an electronic copy and watch the tracking information.
What Professionals Are Saying
Every testimonial is shared with consent and anonymity.
"This is a very well-designed tool and I think it's going to help countless professionals."
Registered Nurse
New York
"I was scared when I got the letter from the Board. This worked really well. I'm so glad you started this amazing company."
Registered Nurse
Maine
"The app was easy to use. I uploaded and submitted my response after using it. I was very happy with the product."
Registered Nurse
Maine
BoardWise is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice or representation. This guide is educational only and reflects general practice in the United States. Your state licensing board is the official source for current requirements. If your situation involves formal discipline or a hearing, consider consulting a licensed attorney in your state.