Montana foreign-trained dentist residency pathway
In Montana, the sourced state record generally points foreign-trained dentists toward a CODA-accredited DDS/DMD or advanced-standing pathway, not a residency-only route. Advanced-standing CODA DDS/DMD only. MCA 37-4-301 requires 'a certificate of graduation from a board-approved dental school,' and MCA 37-4-302 provides that in determining recognized dental colleges the board is guided by the standards of the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Confirm the current rule directly with Montana Board of Dentistry (Dept. of Labor & Industry, Business Standards Division) before choosing a program or filing an application.
Residency signal
Advanced-standing CODA DDS/DMD only. MCA 37-4-301 requires 'a certificate of graduation from a board-approved dental school,' and MCA 37-4-302 provides that in determining recognized dental colleges the board is guided by the standards of the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). A foreign/non-accredited graduate must therefore obtain a CODA-recognized DDS/DMD (advanced standing). No statute or rule found allowing full licensure via a CODA residency (GPR/AEGD) alone.
Exam signal
National board exam (iNBDE) plus a board-accepted regional clinical/practical examination per MCA 37-4-301 (WREB retired Dec 31 2022; ADEX/CDCA-type regional exams now used). Also a Montana jurisprudence component.
Source notes
Statute uses 'board-approved dental school'; approval is CODA-guided per 37-4-302, so effectively CODA is required. Confirm the specific accepted clinical exam(s) and any jurisprudence exam with the board's current application checklist.
Official board source
Montana Board of Dentistry (Dept. of Labor & Industry, Business Standards Division)
Visit the Montana boardINBDE · written national board
Preparing for the INBDE?
The written national board is its own project alongside the state pathway. Dentovio builds INBDE prep specifically for internationally trained dentists — start with the international hub, the pass guide, or the free practice test.
References
- https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0370/chapter_0040/part_0030/section_0010/0370-0040-0030-0010.html
- https://archive.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0370/chapter_0040/part_0030/section_0020/0370-0040-0030-0020.html
- https://boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/dentistry
- https://rules.mt.gov/gateway/ruleno.asp?RN=24.138.505