How to Become a Dentist in Utah: Your Complete Guide
Utah — the Beehive State — has earned its nickname through a culture of industriousness, community, and purposeful growth that permeates nearly every aspect of life here, including its healthcare sector. One of the fastest-growing states in the country, Utah combines a booming economy, a young and expanding population, a stunning natural environment, and a strong emphasis on family and preventive health — all of which translate into sustained and growing demand for dental professionals across the state. With one innovative dental school, a supportive professional community, and practice opportunities ranging from the Salt Lake Valley to rural communities across the state’s dramatic landscape, Utah is a genuinely compelling place to build a dental career. Here’s your complete guide to earning a dental license in the Beehive State.
Step-by-Step Path to Licensure
1. Complete Your Undergraduate Education Begin with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. While dental schools accept applicants from any major, the most competitive candidates typically choose science-related fields — biology, chemistry, biochemistry, health sciences, or a dedicated pre-dental program. Regardless of your major, you will need to complete a standard set of prerequisite courses required by most accredited dental schools. These typically include general biology with lab, general chemistry with lab, organic chemistry with lab, physics with lab, biochemistry, mathematics, and English composition. A science GPA of 3.5 or higher is generally expected by competitive programs, and dental schools scrutinize your academic record closely — so approach these foundational courses with full commitment from the outset.
2. Take the Dental Admission Test (DAT) The DAT is administered by the American Dental Association (ADA) and is required for admission to all accredited dental schools. It covers natural sciences, perceptual ability, reading comprehension, and quantitative reasoning. Most competitive applicants aim for a score of 19 or higher, though minimum score requirements vary by program. The exam is available year-round at Prometric testing centers and is recommended to be taken during the junior year of undergraduate study. Most students invest six months to a year of structured, focused preparation before sitting for it — starting after completing your core science prerequisites gives you the strongest possible foundation.
3. Apply to and Complete Dental School Apply through the Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS) to accredited Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) programs. Both degrees are clinically equivalent. Dental school is a four-year commitment: the first two years establish your biomedical science foundation in classroom and preclinical settings, while the final two years shift to direct patient care and the development of clinical competency across all disciplines of general dentistry. Utah has one accredited dental school, and dentists who train at accredited programs in other states are equally welcome to pursue licensure here.
4. Pass the National Board Examination All dental graduates must pass the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE) before entering practice. This comprehensive written exam evaluates knowledge across the full breadth of dental disciplines and replaced the older two-part NBDE structure. Most students complete the INBDE during the final year of dental school.
5. Pass a Clinical Examination Utah requires candidates to pass the Western Regional Examining Board (WREB) examination, a clinically rigorous assessment of hands-on competency in real patient care scenarios. Confirm the current requirements with the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing at the time you apply, as examination requirements can be updated.
6. Complete the Utah Jurisprudence Examination In addition to national and clinical examinations, Utah requires candidates to pass the Utah Jurisprudence Examination, which tests knowledge of the state’s dental practice act and the regulations governing the profession. This is a Utah-specific requirement and must be completed as part of the licensure process.
7. Apply for Licensure with the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing Once your exams are complete, submit your application to the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) with all required documentation — including official transcripts, examination scores, a criminal background check, proof of current CPR or BLS certification, and applicable fees. Review the Division’s requirements carefully and ensure your application is complete and accurate before submitting to avoid unnecessary delays in processing.
8. Maintain Your License Through Continuing Education Utah requires licensed dentists to complete 30 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years to maintain active licensure. Required CE must include CPR certification, infection control, Utah dental law and rules, and controlled substance prescribing. Additional CE hours can be earned through accredited dental associations, university-sponsored programs, professional conferences, and a broad range of approved online platforms.
Dental Schools in Utah
Utah is home to one accredited dental school — and it is a program that has distinguished itself through genuine innovation in how dentistry is taught.
Roseman University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine — South Jordan, UT Established in 2011 and located in South Jordan in the Salt Lake Valley, Roseman University’s College of Dental Medicine is one of the newer dental programs in the country — but it has earned a reputation for forward-thinking dental education that sets it apart from more traditional institutions. It offers a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree, admits approximately 100 students per year, and operates on a block system of education — a curriculum model in which students master one subject area at a time before advancing to the next, rather than juggling multiple courses simultaneously. This approach is designed to promote deeper learning and reduce cognitive overload, and Roseman graduates consistently report that it prepares them well for the focused demands of clinical practice.
The program features state-of-the-art simulation technology, a strong emphasis on early and extensive clinical experience, and a community-based education model that places students in real-world settings throughout their training. For students who thrive in a structured, mastery-based learning environment and want to graduate ready to practice from day one, Roseman is a compelling choice.
It is worth noting that annual tuition at Roseman runs approximately $80,000 — higher than many public dental school options — so financial planning and early research into aid and loan repayment programs is especially important for prospective students.
Additional Considerations
Utah Rural Health Scholar Program Utah offers a Rural Health Scholar Program that supports students who commit to practicing in underserved rural communities after graduation. For dentists with a genuine interest in rural practice and the oral health challenges that accompany it, this program can provide meaningful financial support while aligning your career with a mission that extends beyond the clinic.
Residency Programs A residency is not required for general dentistry licensure in Utah, but completing a General Practice Residency (GPR) or Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) program is a valuable investment for many new graduates. These programs deepen clinical skills across a wider range of procedures and are particularly beneficial for dentists planning to work in hospital systems, community health centers, or rural settings where clinical versatility is a daily necessity.
Specialization If a dental specialty appeals to you — orthodontics, periodontics, endodontics, pediatric dentistry, oral and maxillofacial surgery, or prosthodontics — plan for two to three additional years of post-doctoral specialty training after dental school. These programs are competitive, and board certification in your specialty is increasingly expected by both employers and patients across the profession.
Loan Repayment Assistance With Roseman’s tuition among the higher in the country for private dental programs, strategic financial planning is not optional — it is essential. Beyond federal loan programs including Direct Unsubsidized Loans, Grad PLUS Loans, and Health Professions Student Loans, Utah participates in state-level loan repayment and service-commitment programs for dentists who practice in designated Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs). Federal programs through the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) are also available for qualifying practitioners. Research these options well before graduation so they can inform your career decisions from the outset.
Licensure by Credentials Dentists who are already licensed and practicing in good standing in another state may be eligible to apply for Utah licensure through a credentials-based pathway. This can meaningfully streamline the process for experienced practitioners relocating to Utah — and given the state’s population growth and economic momentum, relocation from other states is increasingly common.
Rural and Underserved Practice Despite its rapidly growing urban core, Utah has significant rural and frontier areas where access to dental care is a genuine and persistent challenge. Communities across rural Utah — including many that serve Indigenous populations — face ongoing shortages of dental providers. Dentists willing to establish practices in these areas frequently find reduced overhead, strong patient demand, loan repayment eligibility, and a depth of community connection that is increasingly difficult to find in saturated urban markets.
A Family-Centered Practice Environment Utah’s demographics are distinctive. The state has one of the youngest median populations in the country, with large family sizes and multi-generational household structures that shape the nature of dental practice here in meaningful ways. Prevention-focused, family-centered care is not just a marketing approach in Utah — it reflects the genuine priorities of the patient population. For dentists who enjoy working across age groups and building long-term relationships with entire families, Utah’s demographics are a natural fit.
Technology and Innovation Utah has one of the highest rates of digital technology adoption in dental practice in the country. Digital imaging, CAD/CAM restorations, cone beam CT, and modern practice management systems are increasingly standard across Utah dental offices. Dentists entering the state’s market with strong digital dentistry skills are well-positioned, and Roseman’s emphasis on simulation technology and modern clinical tools reflects the direction the profession is heading statewide.
Outdoor Lifestyle and Quality of Life For dentists who value life outside the clinic, Utah is remarkable. The state offers world-class skiing, hiking, mountain biking, climbing, and access to some of the most extraordinary national parks and wilderness areas in North America. The Salt Lake Valley is a genuinely livable metropolitan area with a relatively low cost of living compared to coastal cities, strong schools, and a family-friendly culture that attracts and retains professionals from across the country. Quality of life is a legitimate and often underweighted factor in career decisions — and Utah scores exceptionally well by almost any measure.
Professional Community Joining the Utah Dental Association (UDA) — ideally as a student member during dental school — is one of the most valuable professional investments you can make. The UDA offers continuing education, legislative advocacy, peer networking, and mentorship programs that support dentists at every stage of their careers. Local study clubs and volunteer opportunities at free dental clinics provide additional avenues for professional connection and community contribution.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a dentist in Utah requires years of dedicated preparation and a significant financial investment — particularly given the tuition profile of Roseman University. But the state that rewards that investment is one with genuine momentum: a growing population, a strong economy, a culture that values health and family, and a professional environment that embraces innovation and community engagement in equal measure.
Whether you train at Roseman or arrive with your degree from an accredited program elsewhere, you will find a state where skilled dentists are needed, respected, and given real opportunities to build practices that reflect their values. From the peaks of the Wasatch Range to the canyon country of the Colorado Plateau, Utah is a place where a dental career and an exceptional life can exist in the same address.