Montana Board of Dentistry · DDS/DMD

60 hours. Every three years. On a annual renewal mar1 with fixed 3 year ce cycle starting 2015 cycle.

Below is exactly what Montana Board of Dentistry requires: mandatory topics, exemptions, accepted credit types, and documentation rules.

Updated April 2026Sourced from MBD~4 min read

Reviewed by Doug Doehrman, MD · Last reviewed May 12, 2026

Mandatory topics

For Dentists, 60 hours is the total CME requirement. Montana also requires a set of one-time topics that count toward the 60-hour total.

Cpr[1]
Hrs vary
Ongoing
Effective 2024-09-21 per ARM 24.138.2110; all Montana dental licensees must maintain a current CPR, ACLS, or PALS card. Internet courses are accepted only if they include hands-on clinical competency evaluation. This is a certification gate, not a fixed-hour CE topic.
View sourceVerbatim from source
“current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), or pediatric advanced life support (PALS) card”
ARM 24.138.2110(9)See source [1] in Primary Sources
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Conditional requirements

These rules apply only when the trigger described under each card is met (for example, holding a state-issued controlled substance registration or treating a specific patient population). Each cites the underlying statute or rule directly.

ConditionalSedation[1]
20 hrs
Triennial

Dentists who hold a Montana deep sedation/general anesthesia permit

View sourceVerbatim from source
“20 hours for deep sedation/general anesthesia”
ARM 24.138.2110(1)(a)(i)See source [1] in Primary Sources
ConditionalSedation[2]
Hrs vary
Ongoing

Dentists applying for a Montana deep sedation/general anesthesia permit

View sourceVerbatim from source
“completed an advanced course in cardiac life support within two years of the date of permit application. Web-based courses must include a hands-on lab or megacode portion of training.”
ARM 24.138.3221(3)(b)See source [2] in Primary Sources
ConditionalSedation[1]
12 hrs
Triennial

Dentists who hold a Montana moderate sedation permit

View sourceVerbatim from source
“12 hours for moderate sedation”
ARM 24.138.2110(1)(a)(ii)See source [1] in Primary Sources
ConditionalSedation[2]
Hrs vary
Ongoing

Dentists applying for a Montana moderate sedation permit

View sourceVerbatim from source
“completed an advanced course in cardiac life support within two years of the date of permit application. Web-based courses must include a hands-on lab or megacode portion of training.”
ARM 24.138.3221(4)(c)See source [2] in Primary Sources
Accepted credit

Credit must come from an organization accredited by the ACCME, AMA, Montana Medical Association, or AAFP. ACGME residency or fellowship time accrues toward the requirement. Teaching or presenting accredited CME can satisfy a portion of required hours.

Credit systemNotes
Licensee-selected quality CE
Effective 2024-09-21 per ARM 24.138.2110; Board/staff do not preapprove CE programs or sponsors. Licensees must select quality programs that contribute to professional knowledge and competence, contain significant intellectual or practical content, and are germane to dentistry.SourceARM 24.138.2110(3)[1]
Documentation & audit

Physicians are responsible for retaining CME documentation and producing it on request. Requirements include course title, dates, hours, sponsoring organization, and accrediting body.

Waivers & exemptions

Continuing education requirements do not apply until a licensee's first full year of licensure.

FAQ
Does Montana treat DDS and DMD differently for CE purposes?
No. The Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) and Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degrees are equivalent in Montana, and the Montana Board of Dentistry licenses both under Mont. Code Ann. Title 37 Chapter 4. The same 60-hour triennial CE obligation, March 1 annual renewal deadline, and ARM 24.138.2110 CE rule apply to Montana dentists regardless of degree title.
Are ADA CERP credits accepted in Montana?
The audited primary text does not name ADA CERP or AGD PACE as automatic provider categories. Current ARM 24.138.2110 says board/staff do not preapprove CE programs or sponsors; licensees must choose quality CE that is professionally relevant and germane to dentistry.
Are there mandatory CE topics for dentist renewal in Montana?
Montana requires all dental licensees to maintain a current CPR, ACLS, or PALS card, with hands-on clinical competency evaluation for internet courses. The audited primary text does not show separate Montana dentist hour minimums for infection control, opioid prescribing, abuse reporting, or jurisprudence inside the 60-hour CE total.
Do Montana sedation permit holders have extra CE?
Yes. Dentists with a deep sedation/general anesthesia permit must include 20 anesthesia-specific hours within the 60-hour cycle. Dentists with a moderate sedation permit must include 12 anesthesia-specific hours. ARM 24.138.3221 also requires advanced cardiac life support within two years for deep sedation/general anesthesia and moderate sedation permit applicants.
Where can I check my Montana dental license renewal date?
The Montana Department of Labor and Industry maintains license renewal through the online portal at ebiz.mt.gov/POL/Default.aspx. The Montana Board of Dentistry FAQ states that licenses under the board expire on March 1 each year and should be renewed before March 1 to avoid a late fee.

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Sources & Citations

Every mandatory topic and conditional requirement above cites the underlying statute or rule. Numbered references below correspond to the bracketed citations next to each requirement.

  1. MAR Notice 24-138-83 - Board of Dentistry proposed rulemaking
    Primary sourceAccessed 2026-05-08
    Show verbatim text
    “current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), or pediatric advanced life support (PALS) card”ARM 24.138.2110(9)
    “20 hours for deep sedation/general anesthesia”ARM 24.138.2110(1)(a)(i)
    “12 hours for moderate sedation”ARM 24.138.2110(1)(a)(ii)
  2. ARM 24.138.3221 - Minimum Qualifying Standards (AMD 2025-273 active version)
    Primary sourceAccessed 2026-05-08
    Show verbatim text
    “completed an advanced course in cardiac life support within two years of the date of permit application. Web-based courses must include a hands-on lab or megacode portion of training.”ARM 24.138.3221(3)(b)

This page is provided for general educational purposes and reflects the best available information as of the last reviewed date above. CE requirements change. Atlas CME is not affiliated with the Montana Board of Dentistry, or any other state dental board, licensing authority, or professional organization. Dentists are solely responsible for verifying their own current CE requirements directly with their state dental board before relying on any information presented here.

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