Dental Schools
15 Best Dental Hygiene Schools in Utah | Cost, Requirements & How to Apply
This article offers information about Utah’s best dental hygiene schools and how to get in.
Utah has no formal training or educational requirements, making it simple to start a career as a dental assistant there.
This position can be right for you if you like interacting with people, have a passion for healthcare, and don’t want to spend four years in college.
The field of dentistry is expanding and always in demand. It offers high salaries and the chance to specialize in about a dozen different subfields.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), more than 201,000 dentists got employment in the United States in 2020. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that number to rise by 8% by 2030.
If you want to take a dental hygiene program, we’ve listed the best dental hygiene programs in Utah and the necessary information to help you apply to these schools.
Are there Dental Hygiene Schools in Utah?
Utah has few dental hygiene programs offering a wide range of exposure with degrees to choose from. These are the dental hygiene schools in Utah:
- Snow College
- Utah Valley University
- Salt Lake Community College
- Fortis College-Salt Lake City
- Roseman University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine
- University of Utah School of Dentistry
- Bridgeland College of Applied Technology
- Mountainland Technical College
- Genesis Dental Assistant School
- Ogden-Weber Technical College
- Utah State College of Dental Hygiene
- Utah Tech University
- Creekside Academy of Dental Assisting, Cottonwood Heights
- Southern Utah University
- Brigham Young University
How Much Does Dental Hygiene Schools Cost in Utah?
Utah dental schools are quite affordable, and their tuition fees are reasonable. These schools cost approximately 5,253 USD-15,746 USD per year. These expenses normally include housing, books, feeding, library fee, and other expenses.
It is quite common for the tuition fee to differ depending on the category of the school i.e private or public school. Some dental schools in Utah offer financial aid to help students who are struggling to complete their tuition fees.
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What are the Requirements for Dental Hygiene Schools in Utah?
To apply for a dental hygiene school in Utah, you should understand the school’s requirements. Some of the requirements for dental hygiene schools in Utah are:
- Students’ undergraduate transcripts
- Standardized test scores
- A personal statement.
- Candidates need to have earned a GPA of at least 3.0 in science courses.
- Two letters of evaluation from a health professions advisory committee
- English language proficiency test scores (for international students)
Also read – Best Dental Hygiene Schools in New York | Cost, Requirements, How to Apply
What are the Best Dental Hygiene Schools in Utah?
1. Weber State University
Weber State University equips students with the fundamental and technical abilities required to practice as dental hygienists through classroom, clinical, and community outreach settings.
Students obtain the knowledge and abilities necessary for the multidisciplinary future of dental hygiene as well as the experience that will help them enter several clinical professions.
The Department of Dental Hygiene provides individualized instruction face-to-face, hybrid, or online.
2. Utah Valley University
The 1941-established Utah Valley University grants both an associate’s and a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene. Students practice their skills in a community clinic, and the academic programs at the school give them a chance to pass the Board tests required for licensing.
UVU has used an open admissions policy for years, fusing community college accessibility with university rigour.
This degree can be for someone who wants to further their education and gain more information in their area. Because the Dental Hygiene courses are available online, the degree focuses on working professionals.
3. Salt Lake Community College
A two-year, full-time associate’s degree program is available to students from Salt Lake Community College. Students complete a clinical experience and work in community dentistry setting in addition to their education.
Students studying dental hygiene at SLCC receive a thorough, reasonably priced, and excellent education from highly qualified healthcare professionals.
The academic staff includes experienced dental hygienists and dentists who guide students in an on-site cutting-edge, up-to-date dental hygiene clinic.
4. Fortis College-Salt Lake City
Established in 2009, Fortis College offers professional education and training to residents of the metropolitan area of Salt Lake City, Utah. For those interested in careers in nursing, dentistry, medicine, or HVAC, Fortis has a wide selection of programs.
Students learn to pursue the fascinating and gratifying area of dental hygiene through Fortis’ Dental Hygiene program. Being eligible to work as entry-level hygienists after graduation, it also prepares students to take a licensing exam.
5. Roseman University of Health Sciences
One of the most recent dental programs in the US had its establishment at Roseman University of Health Sciences in Nevada in 2007 and transferred to its South Jordan location in 2011.
The dental programs provided by Roseman University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine provide an unmatched learning environment. The university has possibilities for more advanced dentistry studies in addition to its DMD degree.
This comprises continuing education programs for professionals seeking extra training, an orthodontics residency program, and the Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) residency program.
6. University of Utah School of Dentistry (Salt Lake City, UT)
The University of Utah School of Dentistry combines research with clinical experience to offer an unmatched educational experience. They offer one graduate degree and one residency program. The University of Utah Health’s teaching and research resources are open to all students.
7. Utah College Of Dental Hygiene
In order to offer faster dental hygiene education in the heart of Utah Valley, the Utah College of Dental Hygiene (UCDH) was founded in 2005.
They have a history of being committed to helping students succeed in finishing recognized programs. A Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene (BSDH) can be obtained from UCDH in in 20 months. There is no other program like this one in Utah for 20 months.
The Commission on Dental Accreditation has approved the school’s dental hygiene curriculum (CODA). Additionally, UCDH is an accredited member college of the ACCSC and a division of Careers Unlimited, L.L.C.
8. Utah Tech University
Utah Tech University is a public university in St. George, Utah. It was formerly known as Dixie State University and other similar names. About 240 programs are available at the university.
The two-year, full-time Dental Hygiene Program at Utah Tech provides instruction in the academic knowledge and practical skills required for dental hygiene practice.
Our public dental hygiene clinic offers students a chance to practice clinical skills. The Commission on Dental Accreditation has granted the academic program full accreditation. They provide a thorough curriculum that gives students access to cutting-edge learning, highly specialized skills, and rewarding careers.
9. Bridgeland College of Applied Technology
In Logan, Utah, a public college called Bridgerland Applied Tech is above average. Students have the chance to get a certificate from Bridgerland Technical College through the dental assisting program. The knowledge and practical skills necessary to assist dentists in providing high-quality oral health care are taught to students by highly experienced instructors.
10. Mountainland Technical College
A public technical institution with campuses in Orem and Spanish Fork, Mountainland Technical College is located in Lehi, Utah. While enrolled in the Dental Assisting program at MTECH, you will have the chance to learn and perfect your abilities in practical settings and externships.
The Dental Helping Program trains students in all facets of clinical chair-side assisting and introduces office administration in a classroom and lab setting.
For non-invasive treatments like suctioning and taking impressions, students will have the chance to collaborate with peers and bring in patients.
11. Ogden-Weber Technical College
In Ogden, Utah, there is a public technical college called Ogden-Weber Technical College. It is one of the eight technical institutions that make up the Utah System of Higher Education that is the largest. Students of dental assisting are taught the most recent dental radiography techniques. To help the dentist diagnose and formulate a treatment plan, they expose digital dental x-rays, including intraoral, 3D, and panoramic images.
Students who complete the Dental Assisting program will have the knowledge and abilities necessary to support dentists in providing high-quality oral health care. Assisting chairside, doing infection control measures in the dental office, performing laboratory operations in the dental office, and conducting business office tasks are just a few of the many tasks students learn to perform.
12. Creekside Academy of Dental Assisting, Cottonwood Heights
The Creekside Academy of Dental Assisting is dedicated to giving students the top instruction in dental assisting. They continue to have a stellar reputation for providing students with the best preparation possible for a lifetime profession in dentistry.
13. Southern Utah University
In Cedar City, Utah, there is a public institution called Southern Utah University. Originally established in 1897 as a normal school, Southern Utah University today confers undergraduate and graduate degrees from its six colleges on more than 1,800 students annually.
Students interested in pre-health science occupations will be well prepared for entry into their preferred post-baccalaureate healthcare programs thanks to the program’s curriculum, support, and direction.
14. Brigham Young University
In Provo, Utah, there is a private research institution called Brigham Young University. Brigham Young, a prominent religious figure, founded it in 1875, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is its sponsor.
They help students schedule required classes and be ready for the Dental Admissions Test (DAT). In addition, the University offers advice to students on specifics like participating in extracurricular activities, working with scientists on research projects, volunteering in the community, getting letters of recommendation, and shadowing dentists to increase their chances of being admitted to dental school.
15. Genesis Dental Assistant School
South Jordan, Utah is home to Genesis Dental Assistant School. The three most well-reviewed certifications offered by this school—the Dental Assistant Certification (CDA), the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Knowledge Certification, and the Radiology Certification—are among the four that are available for instruction.
Modern audiovisual tools will be used to teach students, and they will spend most of their time training, studying, and using modern dental tools in the dental office.
How Much Do Dental Hygienists Make in Utah?
Unfortunately, Utah has some of the lowest dental assistant salaries in the country. According to the BLS, the state’s median annual wage ranges from $19,370 to $37,410. According to statistics from Utah, the starting salary for dental assistants is $25,300 annually, while the average salary for all dental assistants in the state is $32,390.
Additionally, dental assistants who work for larger firms, have certifications and have years of experience make higher money. The top 10% of earners in the sector make over $58,390 annually.
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How Do I Become a Dental Hygienist in Utah?
All students must hold either a CPR certification or a Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification in order to work as dental assistants in Utah.
Additionally, to demonstrate abilities acquired through experience, dental assistants who are interested in working with radiography and x-rays must complete a training program or pass an exam certified by the Utah Board of Licensing for Dentists and Dental Hygienists. No matter where they are employed, dental assistants in Utah are required to report to a qualified dentist for supervision.
Best Paying Dental Hygiene Jobs in Utah with Salary
Even though Utah has the lowest salaries for dental hygienists, people with dental hygiene jobs get paid a very reasonable amount every month. These are the best-paying dental hygiene jobs in Utah with their annual salary:
- Private Dentist with an annual salary of $152,482
- Family Dentist with an annual salary of $150,351
- Temporary Dentist with an annual salary of $136,828
- Dental Dentist with an annual salary of $125,548
- Dental Orthodontist with an annual salary of $160,611
Conclusion
All Utah dental assistants must pass a certified course in Basic Cardiac Life Support (BLS) and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation as their only educational requirement (CPR). If a dental assistant in Utah wants to take dental x-rays, they must also complete a radiography course or pass an exam through the Utah Dental Hygienist Licensing Board.
Dental Hygiene schools in Utah give students the necessary exposure they would need to succeed in their future careers. With the dental hygiene schools listed here, you would find it easy to settle down with the school you prefer.
You can also read – Best Dental Hygiene Schools in Utah | Cost, Requirements, How to Apply
Frequently Asked Questions
The majority of dental assistants in the country work in Utah. The Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics most recent statistics show that there are 3.88 dental assistants for every 1,000 employees in the state. In the state of Utah, dental assistants are employed in all major cities.
You can anticipate starting out in an entry-level position in a dental practice if you haven’t finished a dental assistant school. Under the guidance of a dentist, you will gain experience on the job, most often working alongside a dental hygienist. The most typical site of employment for a dental assistant is a dentist office, but it’s not the only one. Dental assistants work at clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, community health centres, and medical facilities. Additionally, certain governmental organizations as well as university dental institutions employ dental assistants.
Although dental assistants are not required to be certified or licensed in Utah in order to practice, it is strongly advised that they do so if they wish to succeed in their future employment as dental assistants. Having successfully completed a formal dental assistant program is a common prerequisite for employment by many employers.
Depending on the business size, you can carry out all of a dental assistant’s responsibilities or concentrate more on administrative or clinical activities. Aspiring dental hygienists or dental lab technicians are two further jobs that dental assistants can pursue.
References
- prepler.com – Best Dental Hygiene Colleges & Universities in Utah
- niche.com – 2023 Best colleges with dental hygiene degrees in Utah
