Dental Schools
15 Best Dental Hygiene Schools In Montana | Cost, Requirements, How to Apply
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, dental hygienists in Montana make some of the highest salaries in the industry compared to their counterparts nationwide, with an average annual salary of $67,910, hence the need for students to enroll in a dental hygiene school in Montana.
The state organization in charge of creating and upholding all guidelines, rules, and requirements for dental licenses in the state is the Montana Board of Dentistry.
In Montana, dental hygienists are skilled professionals with licenses who provide patients with important cleaning and oral health services.
Dental hygienists are not to be confused with dentists, who need more training, diagnose oral conditions, and perform major dental repairs like fillings. Instead, they concentrate primarily on oral hygiene and health.
Frequently, a hygienist will carry out the initial cleaning and initial oral examination before a patient sees a dentist.
A dental hygienist may offer patients tooth polishing, x-ray development, and oral health education services.
Also Read: Best Dental Hygiene Schools in Arizona
Are there Dental Hygiene Schools in Montana
Yes, There are only few CODA-accredited dental hygiene program in Montana. Many people from Montana choose to enroll in dental hygiene courses in Colorado or other states.
1. Great Falls College – Montana State University
2. University of Montana
3. Montana Technological University
4. Carroll College
5. Flathead Valley Community College
6. PIMA Medical Institute – Dillon Campus
7. Charter College
8. Helena College University of Montana
9. Dawson Community College
10. Salish Kootenai College
11. Miles Community College
12. Chief Dull Knife College
13. Stone Child College
14. Blackfeet Community College
15. Fort Peck Community College
Read Also: Best Dental Hygiene Schools in Alabama
How much does Dental Hygiene Schools cost in Montana
The average estimated total cost (In-State/District) of tuition and fees for an associate degree is $22,692, according to the American Dental Hygienists’ Association.
A bachelor’s degree costs $36,382. An advanced degree costs $30,421.
Also Read: Best Dental Hygiene Schools In Missouri
What are the Requirements for Dental Hygiene Schools in Montana
Candidates must first earn an associate’s degree or higher in dental hygiene. Following that, candidates must pass the Montana Jurisprudence exam, a regional clinical exam, and the Dental Hygiene National Board exam.
What are the Best Dental Hygiene Schools in Montana
Explore the best colleges with dental hygiene degrees. Find the dental hygiene colleges that are right for you.
This year’s rankings have reduced the weight of ACT/SAT scores to reflect a general de-emphasis on test scores in the college admissions process
1. Great Falls College – Montana State University
In Great Falls, Montana, there is a public college called Great Falls College. It is a small university with 478 undergraduate students enrolled.
Furthermore, The acceptance rate at Great Falls College is 100 percent. Liberal arts and humanities, welding, dental hygiene and nursing are all well-liked majors.
Also, Alumni of Great Falls College earn a starting salary of $26,800, with graduation rates of 23%.
2. University of Montana
Firstly, Because this changing world requires creativity, UM approach everything with it.
They are responsible for this location, its past, and our future. Together, they are moving forward and bringing about the change that is best for our community and its residents.
Furthermore, We can think of no better location to have a long-lasting positive impact on society than Montana and its university.
Also, We hold ourselves to a high standard for academic research, artistic accomplishments, and scientific exploration that benefits our students, the community, and the entire world. We are Montana’s flagship university.
3. Montana Technological University
Unlike those larger universities, Montana Technological University is unique. You won’t get lost in a sea of faces in this place. In fact, if you put in some effort, you’ll receive attention.
Thus, you are aware of your audience. Who will be choosing from our upcoming crop of graduating Orediggers? Dozens of top-tier companies.
But don’t be fooled by all the hands-on learning and individualized attention; Montana Tech isn’t one of those small colleges with limited funding.
4. Carroll College
Academic excellence and a mindset shaped by our convictions about our goals, mission, and culture.
Furthermore, This is based on their Catholic, diocesan identity and creates a strong connection between our past and present that can’t be found anywhere else.
5. Flathead Valley Community College
Firstly, Future professionals in industries with high demand can receive a top-notch education from Flathead Valley Community College.
Furthermore, Over 100 academic programs, including Associate of Arts or Associate of Science, Associate of Applied Science, Certificate, Certificate of Applied Science, and Training for Licensure/Certification, are offered by the college.
6. PIMA Medical Institute – Dillon Campus
Firstly, Through a partnership with the University of Montana Western, PIMA Medical Institute is able to provide the veterinary technician associate degree and veterinary assistant certificate programs.
Furthermore, The veterinary technician program at PIMA was accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association in the spring of 2017, making it the only accredited program in Montana.
Also, Students who enrol in either of the two programs have access to all of the amenities provided by the University of Montana Western, including dining, recreational opportunities, and the library.
7. Charter College
At its Billings campus, Charter College offers healthcare career training programs.
The courses include practical instruction in labs that meet industry standards.
They provide Billings and Yellowstone County residents with the chance to quickly train for a new career while remaining close to their homes through their medical assistant program.
8. Helena College University of Montana
28 degrees and certificates are available from Helena College University of Montana, a two-year institution in Helena.
The average class size at Helena College is 11, so students and faculty get plenty of one-on-one time.
Ten associate degrees are available from Helena College, some of which prepare students for online four-year degrees at Montana State University Billings.
The two-year associate degrees must be completed on campus in Helena, as Helena College does not provide online instruction.
9. Dawson Community College
Dawson Community College, whose development was initially an addition to a high school, eventually developed into a distinct and recognized college.
DCC continues to educate Montanans, including online students, from its Glendive location.
Numerous technical programs offered by DCC result in employment in regional industries.
For instance, DCC offers two associate degrees and two certificates in dental hygiene and agriculture because raising livestock and farming are crucial to Montana’s economy.
10. Salish Kootenai College
Nearly three-quarters of the over 800 students Salish Kootenai College instructs each year are of Native descent.
Furthermore, This is in line with SKC’s objective of being a premier hub for American Indian students’ workforce education.
SKC, though still small, has expanded and has given out nearly 3,700 degrees and certificates since its establishment in 1977.
More also, SKC offers Numerous associate degree and certificate programs, like those in business management, health promotion, and hydrology, that teach crucial skills in high demand in regional industries.
11. Miles Community College
Miles Community College, established in 1939, focuses on academic workforce development.
Firstly, Although the community college offers several associate degrees that enable transfer, most of MCC’s academic offerings are associate degrees and certificates that are applied.
Furthermore, most technical degrees and certificates fall under the business, information technology, and nursing and healthcare categories when it comes to MCC’s topic-based program division.
Also, The nursing, dental hygiene, and radiologic technician programs, for example, satisfy Montana’s requirements for professional licensure.
12. Chief Dull Knife College
Chief Dull Knife College was established in 1975 by Tribal Ordinance as a facility to train local miners who lived in Lame Deer.
Furthermore, To prepare students for new career opportunities, CDKC added new programs as the student body expanded and graduates experienced greater success.
Students can pursue applied associate degrees in animal science, office management, allied health, and addiction studies.
Additionally, students can pursue certificates in entrepreneurship, office assistance, and behavioral healthcare aid.
13. Stone Child College
Stone Child College, a community college run by the Chippewa Cree Tribe, aims to educate students while preserving Chippewa Cree history and culture.
To assist the Box Elder community, SCC provides a variety of two-year degrees, certificates, and continuing education programs.
The associate degrees offered by SCC in health promotion, addiction studies, rural behavioral health, and health and physical education provide students with the practical knowledge and abilities needed for many regional jobs.
14. Blackfeet Community College
Over 2,200 students are enrolled at Blackfeet Community College, which opened in 1974.
BCC offers many distinctive vocational programs, including several that lead to positions assisting Native American communities, in order to meet the educational needs and long-term objectives of the Blackfeet Tribe.
BCC offers associate’s degrees in behavioral health aid and hydrology technician.
15. Fort Peck Community College
Fort Peck Community College, founded in 1978 by the Tribal Executive Board of the Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes, is a pioneer in Native American education in the area.
The small college enrolls just over 300 students a year and grants about 50 degrees.
15 certificates and associate degrees are available from FPCC that lead to jobs in the area.
There are some unique programs that are not offered at most other schools in Montana, including the associate degree for dental hygiene and Native language instructors.
How much do Dental Hygienist make in Montana
Dental hygienists in Montana earned an average of $37.32 per hour in 2020, or $77,630 annually, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
The reported national median income of $37.06 per hour or $77,090 per year is consistent with these income statistics.
Additionally, the BLS forecasts a 9% increase in dental hygienist employment rates in Montana by 2028.
How do I become a Dental Hygienist in Montana
One must submit an application for a Montana dental hygienist license in order to legally practice as one in this state.
Candidates must first earn an associate’s degree or higher in dental hygiene.
Following that, candidates must pass the Montana Jurisprudence exam, a regional clinical exam, and the Dental Hygiene National Board exam.
On the website of the Montana Board of Dentistry, specific requirements for licensing are detailed.
Also Read: Best Dental Hygiene Schools in Michigan
Best Paying Dental Hygiene Jobs in Montana with Salary
- Top-level Dental Hygienist earns $93,182
- Senior-level Hygienist earns $83,966
- Mid-level Dental Hygienist earns $73,843
- Junior-level Dental Hygienist earns $64,122
- Starting level Dental Hygienist earns $55,271
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Montana State University offers an associate of applied science in dental hygiene (MSU). A competitive process determines which fourteen (14) students are accepted into the Dental Hygiene program each year. Residents of Montana are given preference.
Candidates must earn an associate’s degree or higher in dental hygiene, pass the Dental Hygiene National Board exam, and a regional clinical exam in order to work as a dental hygienist in Montana. See our section on Montana license requirements for additional requirements.
(1) proof of passing the national board examination; (2) proof of passing the regional board examination; (3) three affidavits of good moral character; (4) proof of graduating from a dental school recognized by the board; and (5) payment of the application fee.
Conclusion
You’ll be pleased to know that dental hygienists are among some of the highest earners in the healthcare sector if a career as one appeals to you strongly and you’re searching for a dental hygiene school in Montana (MT).
Additionally, the sector is expected to experience strong job growth with the addition of 30,000 new jobs between 2016 and 2024, an increase in employment of nearly 15%.
References
- Niche.com – 2023 Best Colleges with Dental Hygiene Degrees in Montana
- Dentalassistantedu.org – Dental Hygiene Schools in Montana
