Best Dental Assistant Schools in Utah

If you want to start a career in the dental field without spending years in school, dental assisting is one of the best entry points. In Utah, you can complete training in less than a year and step into a role where your work directly supports patient care.

Here's what you need to know about training, certification, and the best dental assistant schools in the state.

How Dental Assisting Works in Utah

Dental assistants help dentists with patient preparation, chairside support, sterilization of tools, and administrative tasks.

In Utah, you can become a dental assistant without a license for basic duties. But to perform expanded functions like taking x-rays, coronal polishing, or placing sealants, you must complete approved training and meet the Utah State Board of Dental Examiners' requirements.

Utah Rule: Expanded Function Dental Assistants (EFDAs) must complete a board-approved program and pass competency exams before performing advanced clinical tasks.
Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing - Dental Assistants

Steps to Become a Dental Assistant in Utah

1. Finish high school or earn a GED
   Most dental assisting programs require this as a minimum.

2. Choose an accredited program
   Look for programs approved by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) or recognized by the Utah Dental Board.

3. Complete formal training
   Programs usually take 9-12 months and combine classroom learning with hands-on clinical hours.

4. Earn any required certifications
   For example, the Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) for x-ray privileges.

5. Apply for expanded function approval
   If you plan to work beyond entry-level duties.

6. Maintain continuing education
   Keep skills and credentials current per state rules.

Best Dental Assistant Schools in Utah

These schools are known for solid training programs that prepare you for entry-level and expanded roles. Always confirm details directly with each school.

1. Salt Lake Community College - Dental Assisting Program

• Location: West Jordan, UT
• Program Length: 10 months (certificate)
• Highlights: CODA-accredited, strong clinical partnerships, preparation for DANB exams
• Website: https://www.slcc.edu/dental

2. Uintah Basin Technical College

• Location: Roosevelt, UT
• Program Length: 900 hours (approx. 9 months)
• Highlights: Hands-on labs, externships with local dental offices, affordable tuition
• Website: https://ubtech.edu/

3. Davis Technical College

• Location: Kaysville, UT
• Program Length: 12 months
• Highlights: Flexible scheduling, on-site dental lab, board exam preparation
• Website: https://www.davistech.edu/dental-assisting

4. Fortis College - Salt Lake City

• Location: Salt Lake City, UT
• Program Length: Varies (diploma program)
• Highlights: Focus on patient interaction, x-ray certification prep, career services support
• Website: https://www.fortis.edu/

5. Bridgerland Technical College

• Location: Logan, UT
• Program Length: 10 months
• Highlights: Small class sizes, community clinic rotations, EFDA pathway
• Website: https://btech.edu/

Program Lengths at a Glance

Utah Certification and Licensing Details

While you can work without a license in basic roles, keep in mind:

• Radiography: Must meet Utah's dental radiography standards, typically by passing the DANB RHS exam or equivalent.
• Expanded Functions: Require approved EFDA training and competency testing.
• CPR Certification: Most employers require current CPR certification from an approved provider.

Tip: Visit the Utah DOPL Dental Assistant page for official forms, application steps, and rule updates.

Choosing the Right Program

When comparing schools, focus on:

• Accreditation (CODA or Utah Board recognition)
• Hands-on clinical opportunities
• Instructor qualifications
• Exam pass rates for graduates
• Job placement assistance

Ask each school:

• "Do you help students prepare for DANB certification?"
• "Where will I complete my clinical hours?"
• "Does this program include expanded function training?"

Career Outlook

Dental assisting is a stable profession with steady demand in Utah. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects continued growth in the field nationwide¹.

By completing a solid training program and securing the right certifications, you can start working in less than a year in most cases.

Next Steps

If you're ready to move forward:

1. Narrow down your top two or three schools from the list above.
2. Contact their admissions offices for current start dates, costs, and prerequisites.
3. Apply early, since dental assisting cohorts often fill quickly.
4. Gather needed documents such as transcripts and ID.
5. Confirm your CPR and health records requirements before classes begin.

Starting a dental assisting career in Utah is straightforward if you follow the right steps. Get trained, get certified for the duties you want to perform, and you'll be ready to join dental teams that rely on skilled assistants every day.

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