(1) Licensees whose capacity to meet the continuing education requirements is restricted due to ill health or other extenuating circumstances may apply, in writing, to the Board of Dentistry for special consideration.

(2) New licensees shall be exempt from continuing education requirements until March 1st following their initial licensure in Montana, however, they are encouraged to participate actively in continuing education programs.

(3) The board may prorate continuing education credit to licensees after March 1st following their initial licensure in Montana related to the balance of the three-year audit cycle from the date of initial licensure. Dentists may be prorated 20 continuing education credits per audit cycle or 1.66 credits per month licensed. Dental hygienists may be prorated 12 continuing education credits per audit cycle or 1.00 credit per month licensed. Denturists may be prorated 12 continuing education credits per audit cycle or 1.00 credit per month licensed.

(4) Inactive licensees shall be exempt from the continuing education requirements so long as the license remains on inactive status. Inactive licensees seeking to convert to an active status must comply with ARM 24.138.514.

(5) Volunteer licensees shall be exempt from the continuing education requirements.