Attending accredited dental assistant schools in Utah is the first step to becoming certified in Utah’s growing field of dental health. Below we show all the necessary steps to obtain a license, what awaits this job in the future, what is the payment, etc.
Because the state does not require dental assistants to complete the program, no one in Utah is CODA accredited. You can still find several dental assistant schools in Utah that will prepare you to work in the field.
Are There Dental Assistant Schools In Utah?
Because the state does not require dental assistants to complete the program, none of the dental assistant schools in Utah is CODA accredited.
You can still find several dental assistant programs that will prepare you to work in the field: Another option is to take an online course. You can complete all of Penn Foster’s dental assistant program requirements from anywhere.
Dental assistant programs vary to some extent, but share many common courses. Many programs require clinical experience.
You may be placed in a clinic or dental office to practice dental care skills. You may also need to complete an internship.
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How Much Do Dental Assistant Schools Cost In Utah?
In Utah, most dental care programs are too long and too expensive. Many courses last six, twelve, or even eighteen months and cost between $12,000 and $20,000.
Tuition at dental assistant schools in Utah is more expensive for residents than for non-residents. This is why so many in-state students want to apply to a Utah dental school.
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What Are The Requirements For Dental Assistant Schools In Utah?
A high school diploma or GED is often listed as the minimum level of education. However, some employers want formal education in dental assisting. They may require certain skills. For example, an orthodontic office may be looking for someone who can take impressions of teeth.
A dentist’s job may include some front office duties. In this case, the dental office will look for a certain level of computer literacy. Employers may want exposure to certain types of programs, such as Dentrix.
Personal qualities are very important. “Friendliness” and “sociability” are among the traits to look for. The employer may specify that the person must work well with children. Bilingualism in Spanish is desirable for some positions.
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What Are The Best Dental Assistant Schools In Utah?
The school you attend for your skills also has a significant impact on your success in the industry. Dental assistant schools in Utah provide the classroom training and hands-on experience necessary to become a dentist, one of the highest-paying health care professions in the United States.
Dental assistant schools in Utah provide laboratory and classroom instruction in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, radiography, histology, periodontology (the study of oral disease and health), and related sciences integral to understanding dental health.
They supplement classroom learning with extensive clinical practice where students work with patients under the supervision of a licensed dentist.
#1. Provo College
Just outside of Salt Lake City in Provo, Utah is Provo College, a small college of 579 undergraduate students with an acceptance rate of 100%.
Provo College’s full dental assistant course takes ten weeks, 80 hours, has a 53 percent graduation rate, and costs a low $2,800.
If you are unable to pay the money upfront, the school offers other payment plans to students. The class schedule affects the size and presence of the class and students. Classes are usually at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
#2. Bridgeland College of Applied Technology
Bridgerland Applied Technology is a community college in Logan, Utah, with 563 undergraduate students and a 100% acceptance rate.
The Dental Assisting course at Bridgerland is 990 hours or 8-10 months, 30 hours per week, with an estimated tuition fee of $3,145, or $449 per month.
#3. Mountainland Technical College
Mountainland Technical Institution is a public secondary college in the Salt Lake City area of Lehi, Utah. It is a modest university with only 485 students.
To be a successful dental assistant, you must know the ins and outs of clinical practice and office management. Mountainland Technical College ensures that they will guide you through all topics.
You will have the opportunity to learn and expand your skills in real-world situations and externships while participating in the MTECH Dental Assisting program.
Only adults and high school students are eligible to enroll in the 12-month course for $2,516.
#4. Salt Lake Community College
This fun online dental administrative assistant course from Salt Lake Community College can help you become a dental assistant. You will learn about patient care and how to help with the dentist’s administrative tasks.
The course is an open self-study program, meaning you can join and complete it at any time. The program takes about (6) months or 150 hours to complete and costs $1,795.00.
#5. Genesis Dental Assistant School
Genesis Dental Assistant School offers a 10-week dental assistant program. Their course is 70% cheaper than these expensive alternatives. The school is located on the territory of a fully functioning dental practice.
When you enter the school, you will be taught how to use advanced audiovisual technology. You will spend a lot of time in the dental office studying, learning and practicing on working, state-of-the-art dental equipment.
The school offers three alternative payment options from which students can choose the one that best suits their needs.
#6. Fortis College – School of Dentistry in Salt Lake City
Students who study at Fortis colleges and institutes gain the skills and information they need to obtain a license and start a new career.
Dental assistants and hygienists are important members of the healthcare team, and Fortis dental training programs can help you prepare for your new job.
Their teachers are knowledgeable and dedicated, and they are committed to helping students achieve their educational goals.
Students in Fortis’ dental assistant and dental hygiene programs learn the skills they need to master a variety of dental office procedures and laboratory techniques by combining traditional classroom learning, small group discussions, and real-world skill development.
#7. Utah Tech University
Utah Tech’s dental hygiene program is a two-year, full-time program where students acquire the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to practice dental hygiene after they have completed all required coursework.
The Public Dental Hygiene Clinic offers students the opportunity to hone their clinical skills. The Commission on Dental Accreditation granted the academic program full accreditation.
Students must graduate from an accredited school of dental hygiene, pass a national written exam, pass regional and state clinical exams, and apply for licensure in the state or states where they plan to practice to become a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH).
#8. Ogden-Weber Technical College
Start a fulfilling career as a dental assistant, working with a team of dental specialists to provide high-quality patient care.
Dental assistants perform a variety of clinical, interpersonal, and administrative tasks that improve the productivity of the dental office.
Join this program to put your training to work in a career that’s always in demand, offers flexible hours and excellent career growth opportunities.
To graduate from the program, students must demonstrate proficiency in a number of key skills and demonstrate their understanding of accepted industry standards. Among the objectives of the program are the following abilities and subjects.
#9. Utah State College of Dental Hygiene
Careers Unlimited’s Utah College of Dental Hygiene (UCDH) was established in 2005 to offer accelerated dental hygiene education in the heart of Utah Valley.
UCDH has graduated over 875 dental hygienists since 2007! This excellent graduation rate shows how committed they are to student success in completing the program.
Many graduates have worked or are currently working as Registered Dental Hygienists (RDH) across the country.
In approximately 20 months, you can complete the private college Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene (BSDH) program at UCDH.
This exclusive 20-month program is the only program of its kind in Utah. Currently, the student-to-teacher ratio at the college is 5:1.
#10. Utah Valley University
Students studying dental hygiene can choose between an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree and a Bachelor of Science degree (for those currently enrolled in an associate degree in dental hygiene).
This degree course is available exclusively online. In this way, you can easily combine your private business, family and other commitments, allocating only two or three days a week.
Only fully completed applications will be considered for admission. All transcripts and test scores must be legal, sealed documents to be considered complete.
Please hand deliver all materials, if at all possible, to the Dental Hygiene Consultant in HP 101b.
How Much Do Dental Assistants In Utah Earn?
The median annual salary for dental assistants, according to the BLS, is $41,180. The national average hourly rate is $19.80. Those who earn the most work for the state.
Dental assistants also earn more when working for larger employers and with credentials and years of experience. The top 10% of earners in the industry earn more than $58,390 per year.
Unfortunately, Utah has some of the lowest salaries for dental assistants. The BLS reports that the median annual salary in the state is between $19,370 and $37,410.
According to Utah statistics, entry-level dental assistant compensation is $25,300 per year, while the state average for all dental assistants is $32,390.
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How Do I Become Dental Assistant In Utah?
To work as a dental assistant in Utah, all applicants must be either CPR certified or Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certified.
Additionally, dental assistants interested in working with radiology and x-rays must complete a training course or pass an exam approved by the Utah Board of Licensing for Dentists and Dental Hygienists, demonstrating skills gained through experience.
Although not required by state law or the Utah Board of Licensing for Dentists and Dental Hygienists, having any of the following qualifications can make dental assistants stronger job candidates:
- Dental assistant certification through a nationally recognized association
- Certificate of completion of the dental assistant training program
There are a number of national dental assisting associations, one of the largest in the country being the Dental Assistants National Board (DANB).
In addition to being part of the recognized pathway for X-ray survey authorization through the Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam, DANB sponsors several other nationally recognized certifications and exams.
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Best Paying Dental Assistant Jobs In Utah
Dental assistants work throughout the state where dentists work. You’ll find more options in larger cities like Salt Lake City, Provo, Ogden, and St. George.
These recent Indeed.com job listings will give you an idea of the state’s dental assistant opportunities:
- Dental assistant, Smith Dental Care of Sandy, Utah, Sandy, $14 to $20 per hour
- Dental assistant, Virgin Valley Dental, St. George, $14 to $20 per hour
- Dental assisting instructor, Fortis College, Salt Lake City, $21 to $26 per hour
- Dental assistant, pediatric office, Dry Creek Pediatric Dentistry, $13 to $17 per hour
Working as a dental assistant can be a rewarding career. This allows you to enter the healthcare industry without obtaining a degree. If you want to work hands-on with patients but don’t have a lot of time to study, consider this career.
Dental Assistant Schools In Utah FAQs
If you haven’t completed a dental assistant program, expect to start with an entry-level position in a dental office. You will learn on the job, most likely with a dental hygienist, working under the supervision of a dentist.
A dental office is the most common place of work for a dental assistant, but not the only one. Dental assistants work in hospitals, clinics, community health centers, nursing homes, doctors’ offices, and medical centers. In addition, some government agencies also hire dental assistants, as do university dental schools.
Depending on the size of the employer, you can perform all the duties of a dental assistant or focus more on administrative or clinical tasks. Dental assistants can also work toward more advanced or related careers, such as dental hygienists or dental lab technicians.
Utah has the highest concentration of dental assistants in the country. According to the latest data from the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are 3.88 dental assistants for every 1,000 jobs in the state. Dental assistants in Utah work in cities across the state and beyond
Dental assistants are not required to be certified or licensed to work in Utah, however, if they want to advance in their future career as a dental assistant, it is highly recommended that they complete a formal dental assistant program. Many employers prefer to hire dental assistants who have received prior training through completion of a formal dental assistant program.
Conclusion
The only educational requirement Utah dental assistants must complete is a certified training course in Basic Cardiac Life Support (BLS) and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). Utah also requires dental assistants to take a radiography course or pass an exam through the Utah Dental Hygienist Licensing Board if they want to perform dental x-rays.
Utah dental assistants interested in completing a formal dental assistant certification program can find programs available at Fortis College in Salt Lake City, Ogden-Weber Technical College in Ogden, and MountainLand Technical College at the Lehi, Orem, Spanish- Fork and Heber City. .
References
- dentalassistantedu.org – Utah Dental Assisting Programs
- exploremedicalcareers.com – Utah Dental Assistant Schools and Salary Guide
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