How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Utah: A Complete Guide

Utah offers excellent opportunities for aspiring dental hygienists, with competitive salaries ranging from $65,000 to $85,000 annually and strong job growth prospects. This guide will walk you through the specific steps to become a licensed dental hygienist in the Beehive State.

Educational Requirements

1. Complete Prerequisites (1-2 years)

• High school diploma or GED
• College prerequisite courses:
• General Chemistry
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Microbiology
• English Composition
• General Psychology
• College Mathematics
• Public Speaking

2. Earn Your Degree (2-3 years)

• Attend a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program
• Utah offers several accredited programs:
• Utah Valley University
• Weber State University
• Salt Lake Community College
• Dixie State University
• Programs typically include:
• Classroom instruction
• Laboratory work
• Clinical practice
• Radiology certification

Utah Licensing Requirements

1. National Board Examination

• Pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE)
• Computer-based comprehensive exam
• Tests both theoretical knowledge and clinical judgment

2. Clinical Examination

• Complete one of the following regional clinical exams:
• Western Regional Examining Board (WREB)
• Central Regional Dental Testing Service (CRDTS)
• Must demonstrate competency in:
• Patient assessment
• Scaling and root planing
• Periodontal probing
• Local anesthesia administration

3. Utah State Requirements

• Submit application to Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing
• Complete Utah Law and Rules Examination
• Pass criminal background check
• Submit fingerprints
• Provide proof of:
• CPR certification
• Professional liability insurance
• Two hours of infection control training

Additional State-Specific Requirements

Local Anesthesia Certification

• Required in Utah for dental hygienists
• Must complete board-approved course
• Includes both didactic and clinical components

Continuing Education

• 30 hours every two years
• Must include:
• CPR recertification
• Utah law and ethics
• Infection control
• At least 15 hours must be live, in-person training

Professional Development

Join Professional Organizations

• Utah Dental Hygienists’ Association
• American Dental Hygienists’ Association
• Salt Lake District Dental Society

Additional Certifications

• Laser certification
• Nitrous oxide administration
• Advanced local anesthesia techniques
• Public health endorsement

Career Opportunities in Utah

Work Settings

• Private dental practices
• Public health clinics
• School-based programs
• Corporate dental offices
• Educational institutions
• Research facilities

Geographic Distribution

• Higher concentration of jobs in:
• Salt Lake City metropolitan area
• Utah County
• Weber County
• Washington County

Tips for Success in Utah

1. Consider Utah’s unique demographic needs:

• Large family populations
• Growing senior community
• Rural healthcare requirements

1. Network within the Utah dental community:

• Attend state dental conferences
• Join local study clubs
• Participate in community health events

1. Develop cultural competency:

• Understanding diverse populations
• Religious and cultural sensitivity
• Multilingual skills (particularly Spanish)

Estimated Timeline and Costs

Timeline

• Prerequisites: 1-2 years
• Dental Hygiene Program: 2-3 years
• Licensing Process: 2-4 months
• Total: 3-5 years

Approximate Costs

• Prerequisites: $6,000-$12,000
• Dental Hygiene Program: $25,000-$45,000
• Licensing and Exams: $2,000-$3,000
• Additional Certifications: $1,000-$2,000

Working in Utah: Unique Considerations

Practice Model

• Utah allows dental hygienists to:
• Administer local anesthesia
• Provide basic periodontal care
• Work in public health settings
• Practice under general supervision in certain situations

Work-Life Balance

• Many practices offer flexible scheduling
• Part-time opportunities available
• Strong emphasis on family-friendly work environments

Conclusion

Becoming a dental hygienist in Utah offers a promising career path with excellent growth potential and work-life balance. The state’s specific requirements ensure high standards of patient care while providing opportunities for professional advancement. By following this guide and maintaining your credentials, you can build a rewarding career in Utah’s dental healthcare system.

Remember to regularly check the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing website for any updates to requirements or regulations, as these can change over time.