List of Dental Events in Montana - 2026

Montana dental professionals face a challenge that few other states can match: a CE renewal requirement spread across one of the largest geographic footprints in the country — 145,546 square miles with one of the lowest population densities in the US. Tracking down accredited dental CE events in Montana, confirming dates, and planning travel across the state takes real time. And while dentists and hygienists are at conferences, their practices still need to answer the phone.

This guide covers every confirmed dental event in Montana for 2026 — in-person, online, and national conferences worth traveling to — with verified dates, CE hours, speakers, and registration details. All dental conferences Montana has to offer in 2026 are sourced directly from the organizing bodies, so you can plan your continuing education without hunting across multiple association websites. This page includes every Montana dental association event in 2026, plus online options and national conferences Montana dentists commonly attend.

TL;DR

• Montana has 4 confirmed in-person dental CE events in 2026: Billings Midwinter (Jan 29–30), MDA Big Sky CE Seminar (Feb 15–17), Ski & Learn at Big Sky (Mar 12–19), MDA Annual Meeting in Missoula (May 28–29)
• The MDA Annual Meeting is the state's highest-value event — Dr. Gordon Christensen's 6-hour course alone covers a meaningful portion of the triennial requirement
• Montana dentists need 60 CE hours per 3-year cycle; hygienists need 36 hours — all deliverable through ADA- or AGD-approved providers (verify current requirements with the Montana Board of Dentistry)
• Online CE through ADA, ADHA, and Viva Learning lets Montana practitioners fill remaining hours without travel
• Missed patient calls during CE events cost real revenue — plan phone coverage before your team leaves

Key Takeaways

• Montana has four confirmed in-person dental CE events in 2026, plus year-round online options for hygienists and dentists
• The MDA Annual Meeting (May 28–29, Missoula) features Dr. Gordon Christensen's six-hour course — the state's single highest-value CE offering of the year
• The Ski & Learn Seminar at Big Sky Resort (March 12–19) is open to dentists nationwide and delivers 12 CE hours alongside world-class skiing
• Montana dentists need 60 CE hours per three-year renewal cycle; hygienists need 36 hours — all may be completed through ADA- or AGD-approved providers, including online
• Combining the Big Sky CE Seminar or Ski & Learn with the MDA Annual Meeting covers a substantial portion of Montana's triennial requirement in two trips
• Room blocks for the MDA Annual Meeting fill early — book accommodations as soon as registration opens in January
• Solo and rural Montana practices are especially exposed to missed calls during CE absences — plan phone coverage before you leave

Dental Events in Montana 2026: At a Glance

Why Do Montana Dental Professionals Choose Local CE Events?

Montana's size creates a real planning problem. Dental professionals in Billings, Great Falls, or Bozeman can spend more time in transit than in the CE classroom when traveling to national conferences. In-state events like the MDA Annual Meeting and the Big Sky seminars exist specifically to bring accredited education to where Montana practitioners actually live and work.

The cost calculation also favors in-state CE events Montana practitioners can drive to: no cross-country flights, no multi-night hotel stays in convention city hotels, and less time away from the practice. For small-group practices and solo practitioners, that difference is significant — both financially and operationally.

1. Ski & Learn Seminar at Big Sky Resort

Dates: March 12–19, 2026

Location: Big Sky Resort, Big Sky, Montana

Hosted by: Alabama Dental Association (ALDA) — open to dentists, dental staff, and families nationwide

CE Hours: 12 hours (6 two-hour CE sessions)

Registration: skiandlearn.org | Contact: [email protected]

The Ski & Learn Seminar is one of the most distinctive dental CE events in the country — and one of the few that consistently draws dentists from outside the host state to Montana specifically. The format runs CE sessions in the early morning and late afternoon, leaving midday free for skiing at one of Montana's premier mountain resorts.

The 2026 program delivers 12 full CE credit hours across six two-hour sessions. Discounted group lift tickets, ski rental packages, and lodging discounts at Big Sky Resort properties are all included for registered attendees. A welcome reception is part of the program.

Key Highlights:

• 12 CE hours over a 7-day format — sessions scheduled around ski time, not the other way around
• Welcome reception included; discounted group lift tickets and rental packages available for registered attendees
• Lodging discounts at Big Sky Resort properties (register within 5 days of booking accommodations to lock in group rate)
• Open to all dentists, dental staff, and families nationwide — not limited to ALDA members

Best For: Dental practices wanting to combine a staff team retreat with CE completion; dentists who prefer an intensive multi-day format; dental groups whose team members are outdoor-recreation oriented.

Registration Note: Register at skiandlearn.org. Secure your Big Sky Resort accommodations first, then register within 5 days to lock in the group discount rate.

2. Ninth District Dental Society Midwinter Meeting

Dates: January 29–30, 2026

Location: Billings, MT (venue to be confirmed)

Hosted by: Ninth District Dental Society

CE Hours: TBD (typically 4–8 hours for a two-day meeting)

Registration: ninthdistrictdentalsociety.com

The Ninth District Dental Society's Midwinter Meeting is Montana's first major dental CE event of the year — a two-day gathering in Billings that draws dentists, hygienists, and dental staff from across eastern and central Montana.

The Ninth District Society is the ADA's local component society for Montana, making this a formally accredited, ADA-credentialed continuing education opportunity. For practitioners in Billings or anywhere east of the Divide, it's typically the most accessible early-year CE option available in-state.

Key Highlights:

• ADA-credentialed CE — hours count toward Montana dentist and hygienist license renewal
• Convenient for eastern and central Montana dental practices — no out-of-state travel required
• Two-day format allows for efficient early-year CE banking before the spring conference season

Best For: Dental practices in Billings and eastern Montana; practitioners who want to bank early-year CE hours close to home without significant travel cost or time away.

Registration: Full agenda, speakers, and registration details are published at ninthdistrictdentalsociety.com.

3. MDA Big Sky CE Seminar

Dates: February 15–17, 2026

Location: Big Sky, Montana

Hosted by: Montana Dental Association

CE Hours: Up to 12 hours

Registration: MontanaDental.org

The MDA's Big Sky CE Seminar is Montana's retreat-style dental CE event — a three-day program that delivers up to 12 CE credit hours at one of the state's premier mountain resort destinations.

The format consistently draws full dental teams who want to combine professional development with a working staff retreat. Dentists, hygienists, dental assistants, and office managers can attend together, and the resort setting at Big Sky makes this a genuinely attractive team trip — not just another CE obligation.

Key Highlights:

• Up to 12 CE credit hours over three days — one of the highest single-event credit totals available in-state
• Formally hosted by the Montana Dental Association — ADA-accredited CE
• Format is well-suited for full dental teams attending as a group staff development trip
• Big Sky Resort accommodations are in high demand in February — book as early as possible once registration opens

Best For: Montana dental practices looking to complete a large portion of CE requirements in one trip; dental groups using the event as a combined staff retreat and CE block; dentists and hygienists who prefer intensive multi-day formats over scattered single-day courses.

Registration: Register through MontanaDental.org.

4. Montana Dental Association Annual Meeting

Dates: May 28–29, 2026

Location: University of Montana campus, Missoula, MT

Hosted by: Montana Dental Association

Accommodations: DoubleTree by Hilton Edgewater | Hilton Garden Inn Missoula

Registration: Opens January 2026 via MontanaDental.org | [email protected] | 406-443-2061

The MDA Annual Meeting is Montana's flagship dental event — the state's largest, highest-profile dental conference of the year. The 2026 edition is on the University of Montana campus in Missoula, with a two-day program featuring some of the most recognized names in dental continuing education.

2026 Featured Speakers:

Dr. Gordon Christensen — The Christensen Bottom Line

Dr. Christensen's signature course is a six-hour session that has become one of the most sought-after programs on the national dental CE circuit. A former president of the American College of Prosthodontists and co-founder of Clinicians Report (formerly CRA), Christensen synthesizes the year's most important clinical, materials, and practice management findings into a single comprehensive course. Attendees walk away with an updated clinical decision-making framework drawn from Clinicians Report's independent product testing and research. Having this course available at a Montana-hosted event significantly raises the Annual Meeting's CE value for in-state practitioners.

Dr. Uche Odiatu — All-Day Course with Medicaid Update

Dr. Odiatu's full-day session covers health, performance, and wellness topics relevant to dental professionals managing demanding clinical schedules. His 2026 session at the MDA Annual Meeting includes a practical update on Montana Medicaid — a direct addition for practices that see Medicaid patients and need current information on coverage, billing, and program changes.

Jim Grisdale — Multiple Topics

Jim Grisdale presents across multiple topics during the two-day program, covering areas relevant to both clinical updates and practice operations.

Jamie Marboe, RDH, BS — Morning and Afternoon Sessions

Jamie Marboe offers two dedicated sessions covering hygiene-focused topics — making the 2026 Annual Meeting a strong CE option for dental hygienists who want to fulfill hours in a structured, in-person setting.

Key Highlights:

• Dr. Gordon Christensen's six-hour "Christensen Bottom Line" course — one of the most respected CE programs in the country, available at a Montana venue
• Montana Medicaid policy update included — essential for practices serving Medicaid patients across the state
• Dedicated hygiene CE sessions with Jamie Marboe, RDH, BS — morning and afternoon
• Room blocks secured at two Missoula hotels; both expected to fill quickly in peak May season
• Open to dentists, hygienists, dental assistants, and practice managers

Accommodations:

• DoubleTree by Hilton Edgewater — close to the University of Montana campus
• Hilton Garden Inn Missoula — alternative with easy campus access

May in Missoula is peak season — both hotel blocks are expected to fill quickly. Book as soon as registration opens in January 2026.

Best For: All Montana dental professionals looking for the state's highest-value single CE event of 2026; practices that want to send multiple team members to one event; hygienists needing dedicated in-person hygiene CE hours.

Online Dental CE Options for Montana Dentists in 2026

Montana's geographic spread makes online CE a practical supplement to in-person events. The Montana Board of Dentistry accepts ADA- and AGD-approved courses in any delivery format — meaning Montana dentists and hygienists can complete their full CE requirement online if needed.

ADHA Empowering You Webinar Series

The American Dental Hygienists' Association offers a four-event live webinar series in 2026 covering business development and career advancement for dental hygienists at every career stage. Total: 4.5 CE hours for the full series. MDHA members receive substantial discounts on ADHA CE pricing. Register at adha.org.

ADA Online Continuing Education

Year-round on-demand and live webinar CE covering clinical, practice management, and personal development topics. ADA CERP-recognized — accepted by the Montana Board of Dentistry for license renewal. Includes MATE Act and opioid prescribing training required in many states. ADA members receive discounted pricing. Access at ADA.org.

Viva Learning

Free CE webinars across clinical and practice management topics, available in live and on-demand replay formats. No cost to Montana dental professionals. Access at vivalearning.com.

National Dental Conferences Worth Attending from Montana

For dental professionals willing to travel, two national conferences are especially accessible from Montana:

ADA Scientific Session 2026 — Indianapolis, IN (October 8–10)

The largest annual dental conference in the United States. The 2026 session at the Indiana Convention Center features CE presentations, panels, a general session, and a full exhibit hall — all included in one registration. Agenda Builder launched April 22; course registration opened May 27. Register at ada.org.

Rocky Mountain Dental Convention (RMDC) — Denver, CO

The closest major dental convention to Montana, accessible via a direct or one-stop flight from Billings, Missoula, or Great Falls. Strong regional attendance from Mountain West dental professionals, with a full exhibit floor showcasing the latest dental technology. Check rmdconline.com for 2026 dates and registration. Montana practitioners traveling to Denver for RMDC may also want to review the full dental events in Colorado 2026 calendar.

Montana Dental CE Requirements in 2026

Understanding Montana's CE renewal requirements helps you plan which dental CE events Montana practitioners need to prioritize:

Dentists: 60 CE hours required every three years to maintain licensure. All hours may be completed via home study (online courses), provided the provider is ADA or AGD approved.

Dental Hygienists: 36 CE hours required every three years. Same provider approval requirements apply — ADA or AGD approved courses qualify in full.

Accepted Providers: The Montana Department of Labor & Industry Board of Dentistry accepts courses from any ADA- or AGD-approved provider, regardless of delivery format. This gives Montana practitioners flexibility to combine in-person event attendance with online CE to reach their renewal total.

Note: CE requirements may be updated. Verify current requirements at MontanaDental.org or directly with the Montana Board of Dentistry before your renewal cycle.

Maximizing In-Person Events for CE Hours:

Attending the Ski & Learn Seminar or the MDA Big Sky CE Seminar alongside the MDA Annual Meeting can cover a significant portion of Montana's 60-hour triennial requirement in two trips. For remaining hours, Montana practitioners can supplement with online courses through CE Crowd, CDEWorld, and NetCE — all ADA/AGD-approved and accepted by the Montana Board of Dentistry. Western Montana practitioners may also find additional in-person options in the dental events in Idaho 2026 calendar.

Which Montana Dental Event Is Right for You?

There's no single best event for every Montana dental professional — it depends on location, team size, and where you are in your CE renewal cycle.

• For eastern and central Montana practitioners, the Ninth District Midwinter Meeting (January, Billings) is the most accessible early-year option without significant travel time or cost.
• For practices wanting to maximize CE hours in one trip, the Ski & Learn Seminar (March, Big Sky) and the MDA Big Sky CE Seminar (February) both deliver 12 CE hours in a single multi-day block.
• For the state's highest single-event CE value, the MDA Annual Meeting (May, Missoula) is the clear choice — Dr. Christensen's six-hour course alone makes it worth the trip from anywhere in Montana.
• For dental hygienists, the MDA Annual Meeting's Jamie Marboe sessions combined with ADHA's online webinar series cover strong CE options for the 36-hour hygiene renewal cycle.
• For DSOs and multi-location groups, the MDA Annual Meeting is the most practical event to send multiple team members to — one venue, multiple CE tracks, negotiated hotel blocks.

Whichever events you choose, the one thing your practice can't afford during conference season is missed patient calls.

How to Keep Your Practice Running During Dental Events

Dental practices miss up to 35% of inbound calls on a typical day. During a two-day conference when front-desk staff is away, that number climbs — and each missed call is a potential new patient booking that goes elsewhere.

A few steps to prepare before you leave:

• Ensure 24/7 phone coverage. Missed calls during conference days translate directly to missed appointment bookings. Dental practices running an AI receptionist like Arini maintain continuous phone coverage even when staff is at a CE event — answering inbound calls in 300ms, booking new patient appointments, and collecting patient information without anyone at the front desk. Kare Mobile captured $56,000 in new patient appointments in their first month. Unified Dental Care saw a 12% revenue increase across 8 locations. Normandy Lake Dentistry achieved a 90% call answer rate.
• Communicate closures early. For reduced hours or office closures around conference dates, notify patients at least two weeks in advance with appointment reminders and availability updates.
• Pre-fill your schedule. A full appointment book waiting when you return makes the conference investment easy to justify. Prioritize scheduling before you leave.
• Designate a point of contact. Even if the office is partially closed, one team member should remain reachable for urgent patient needs or clinical questions.

Arini integrates directly with OpenDental, EagleSoft, Dentrix, Dentrix Ascend, Denticon, CareStack, and Cloud9 — so appointments booked while your team is in Missoula or Big Sky land directly in your practice management software, with no separate system to reconcile when you return. HIPAA compliant with encryption and role-based access controls.

Book a Demo to see how Arini keeps your phones covered during conference season and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions

What dental events are in Montana in 2026?

Four major in-person dental events are confirmed in Montana for 2026: the Ninth District Dental Society Midwinter Meeting (January 29–30, Billings), the MDA Big Sky CE Seminar (February 15–17, Big Sky), the Ski & Learn Seminar at Big Sky Resort (March 12–19, Big Sky), and the MDA Annual Meeting (May 28–29, Missoula). Online CE options are also available year-round through ADA, ADHA, and other approved providers.

When Is the MDA Annual Meeting in 2026?

The MDA Annual Meeting is scheduled for May 28–29, 2026, on the University of Montana campus in Missoula. Registration opened in January 2026. Room blocks are available at the DoubleTree by Hilton Edgewater and the Hilton Garden Inn Missoula — both expected to fill early given May's popularity in Missoula.

Who Is Speaking at the 2026 MDA Annual Meeting?

The 2026 MDA Annual Meeting features Dr. Gordon Christensen ("The Christensen Bottom Line – 2026," a six-hour course), Dr. Uche Odiatu (all-day course including a Montana Medicaid update), Jim Grisdale (multiple topics), and Jamie Marboe, RDH, BS (morning and afternoon hygiene sessions).

How many CE hours do Montana dentists need?

Montana dentists must complete 60 continuing education hours every three years to renew their license. Dental hygienists in Montana must complete 36 CE hours per three-year renewal cycle. All hours may be completed through ADA- or AGD-approved providers, including online courses. Verify current requirements with the Montana Board of Dentistry before your renewal cycle.

Is there a dental CE event in Billings, Montana in 2026?

Yes. The Ninth District Dental Society Midwinter Meeting takes place January 29–30, 2026, in Billings, MT. Check ninthdistrictdentalsociety.com for current venue, agenda, and registration details.

Can Montana dentists earn CE credit online?

Yes. The Montana Board of Dentistry accepts ADA- and AGD-approved courses in any delivery format, meaning licensed Montana dentists and hygienists can complete their full CE requirement through online courses if needed. Platforms including CE Crowd, CDEWorld, and NetCE all offer qualifying courses accepted by the Montana Board.

What CE Events Does the MDHA Offer in 2026?

The Montana Dental Hygienists' Association (MDHA) is affiliated with the American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA). MDHA members receive substantial discounts on ADHA-sponsored CE, including the 2026 ADHA Empowering You Webinar Series (4.5 CE hours, online). Contact MDHA at [email protected] or 406-256-7384, or visit montanadha.org for the current CE schedule.

What is the nearest major dental conference to Montana?

The Rocky Mountain Dental Convention (RMDC) in Denver, Colorado is the closest major dental conference to Montana — typically reachable via a direct or one-stop flight from Billings, Missoula, or Great Falls. Check rmdconline.com for 2026 dates. The ADA Scientific Session (October 8–10, 2026, Indianapolis) is the largest national option for Montana dentists willing to travel further.

The dental events in Montana 2026 calendar gives practitioners four strong in-person options — but while your team is in Missoula or Big Sky, your phones still need to be answered. Arini is the AI receptionist purpose-built for dental practices: it answers calls in 300ms, books appointments directly into your PMS, and captures patient information 24/7 — including during conference days when your front desk isn't staffed. Book a Demo to see how it works.