Steps to Become a Dental Hygienist in Utah
If you are interested in becoming a dental hygienist in Utah (UT) you will need to graduate from an accredited dental hygiene program.
Requirements for entry into accredited programs include a high school diploma or equivalent and, depending on the school, you may need to pass entrance exams and complete an entry interview. Medical and legal clearances may also be required.
Below we provide details of the top accredited dental hygienist programs in Utah, as well as licensing requirements and salary and employment data for the state.
Top 6 Accredited Dental Hygienist Schools Utah
| School | Area | More Information |
|---|---|---|
| Weber State University | Ogden | Learn More |
| Utah Valley University | Orem | Learn More |
| Utah College of Dental Hygiene | Orem | Learn More |
| Fortis College | Salt Lake City | Learn More |
| Dixie State College of Utah | St. George | Learn More |
| Salt Lake Community College | West Jordan | Learn More |
Schools offering dental hygiene programs which have been accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) are recognized to maintain a high standard of education by the American Dental Association (ADA).
There are currently 6 fully accredited programs in Utah.
Once you have graduated from an accredited program you will be required to sit some additional state and/or national certification exams before you are eligible to apply for your dental hygienist license.
Utah Dental Hygienist License Requirements
Once you have successfully graduated from an accredited program and have passed all additional certification exams it is a requirement of Utah law that you obtain a license to work as a dental hygienist there.
The Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing Dentistry governs the licensing of dental hygienists in Utah. You can contact the Board directly using the contact details below:
State Board: Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing Dentistry
Phone: (801) 530-6621
Website: http://www.dopl.utah.gov/licensing/dentistry.html
Dental Hygienist Salary in Utah
| Hygienist Salary Utah | $69,720 |
| Hourly Wage | $33.52 |
| Bottom 10% of Earners | $52,580 |
| Top 10% of Earners | $84,270 |
| # Employed | 2,730 |
The average dental hygienist salary in Utah is $69,720 – 7% below the national average of $74,680.
This represents an hourly wage of $33.52.
There are currently 2,730 persons employed as dental hygienists in the state.
Utah Dental Hygienist Employment and Salaries by Metro Area
It is a great time to train to become a dental hygienist in Utah given the strong salary levels and jobs growth for the career.
Dental hygiene salaries are among some of the highest in the healthcare industry and it is projected that an additional 30,000 positions will be created in the sector between 2016 and 2024 representing an almost 15% increase in employment.
The table below provides a breakdown of salaries and employment of dental hygienists across the main towns, cities and non metro areas in Utah;
Area Number Employed Salary
Ogden-Clearfield, UT 480 $68,590
Provo-Orem, UT 480 $75,440
St. George, UT 160 $66,580
Salt Lake City, UT 1,030 $68,790
Central Utah nonmetropolitan area Not Avalable $68,670
Southwest Utah nonmetropolitan area 40 $60,730
Eastern Utah nonmetropolitan area Not Avalable $71,780
Related Healthcare Career Comparisons in Utah
The table below provides a comparison between the income and employment of dental hygienists and related healthcare careers in Utah;
| Career | Number Employed | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Dental Hygienists | 2,490 | $70,800 |
| Dental Assistants | 5,030 | $29,490 |
| Surgical Technologists | 1,230 | $38,670 |
| Veterinary Technologists and Technicians | 990 | $27,550 |
| Nursing Assistants | 10,680 | $23,960 |
| Medical Assistants | 7,270 | $30,180 |
| Phlebotomists | 1,010 | $27,060 |