Dental Assistant Schools in Utah

Successful dental assistants in Utah are those who have completed training programs and set themselves on a path to advanced education. Although the field of dental assisting is one of the most straightforward to enter among other dental professionals, residents of Utah will have a better chance of completing the process if they have a clear understanding of what the journey entails before they begin.

This is why we have curated the following in-depth resource, showcasing everything an interested individual needs to know to start a dental assistant career in Utah. We explore the basic educational requirements, licensing requirements, certification options, and potential salary to expect, among other important details.

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Utah

Below is a step-by-step breakdown of how to become a successful dental assistant in the state of Utah.

Basic Considerations

Before they consider their education, candidates are typically expected to meet certain basic requirements to secure admission and enjoy a straightforward process. These requirements include having a high school diploma or a GED, proof of immunization, and a completed background check.

Dental Assistant Program

Prospective dental assistants in Utah are typically advised to be meticulous about the length of their training. This is because different dental assisting programs often have different tracks with varying program lengths.

The most common tracks are associate’s degrees and certificate programs. The same institutions may offer both a certificate program and an associate degree program, allowing candidates to choose the one that best suits their educational preferences. Additionally, some may allow candidates to transfer credits from certificate programs to associate degree programs. Lastly, candidates are expected to choose programs that are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation to facilitate professional opportunities.

Specialization, Employment, and Career Growth

Dental assistants can choose to work in a general establishment or focus on a specific area, such as orthodontics or preventive functions.

From there, they can continue to grow by acquiring specialized skills or pursuing a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene, as is typical in the field. The following section examines additional key licensing and certification considerations that candidates are expected to consider.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• How to become a medical assistant in Utah

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Utah is one of many states where dental assistants don’t need a license to work professionally. Employers typically prefer candidates who have obtained CPR certification and completed the steps above.

The Dental Assisting National Board also offers credentials that candidates can use to distinguish themselves and enhance their credibility. Candidates may become certified at varying levels of credentials from the DANB, including Certified Dental Assistant, Registered Dental Assistant, Certified Orthodontic Assistant, and Certified Preventive Functions Dental Assistant.

Top Dental Assistant Schools in Utah

The entries below are all considered to be among the best dental assisting training programs in Utah.

Explore dental assistant schools in Utah by city:

• Dental assistant schools in Salt Lake City

Salary & Career Outlook

As a new dental assistant starting a career in Utah, you can end the year with an average salary between $47,571 and $61,094. The first figure pertains to the lowest paid in the state, while the second figure is more relevant to those in the average range.

The annual average salary is usually higher for candidates who have been on the job for a long time and have optimized relevant factors. This figure tends to hover around $78,461.

As important as experience is, it is not the only factor that can influence the annual average salary of a dental assistant. Candidates in Utah can also enhance their earnings by focusing on aspects such as credentials and workplace environment.

Location also plays a role.

Salt Lake City is the highest-paying destination for dental assistants in the state. The average annual salary is around $64,704.

Brigham City, Sandy, and Kaysville are also notable, with annual average salaries of $63,519, $62,368, and $62,27,8, respectively.