Dental Assistant in Utah

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for UT. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary
$37,320
trending_down -21.1% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Utah.

engineering
6,310

Jobs (UT)

monitoring Strong
+6.4%

10-yr job growth

schedule
Varies by program and certifications sought

Time to complete

route How to become a dental assistant in Utah

In Utah, dental assistants are not required to be licensed at the basic level by the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing. However, to perform expanded functions like taking x-rays or placing direct restorations, dental assistants must obtain specific certifications. This typically involves completing board-approved courses and passing relevant examinations, such as the DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam for radiography or the DANB Certified Restorative Functions Dental Assistant (CRFDA) exam for restorative functions. Additionally, all dental assistants must hold current CPR or Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $35,360
25th percentile $36,300
50th (median) $37,320
75th percentile $45,030
90th (experienced) $46,710

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Utah. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Utah requirements

Licensing bodyUtah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing
State license Not required
EducationBoard-approved courses for expanded functions; CPR or Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification.
ExamDANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam for radiography; DANB Certified Restorative Functions Dental Assistant (CRFDA) exam for restorative functions.
NotesUtah does not license dental assistants at the basic level. A permit/certification is required to perform certain expanded functions, such as radiography and restorative procedures, which require specific training and examination. As of May 7, 2025, the division will create certifications for dental auxiliaries to perform expanded functions, including placement of direct restorations and removal of coronal dental adhesive. Minimum age of 18 and a high school diploma or GED are typically required for training programs. CPR certification is mandatory.

Source: Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth
+6.4%
Faster than average
Annual openings
52,900
Nationwide per year
Total employment
381,900
Nationwide
neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -0.53/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

  • infoNo state license required — lower barrier but weaker signal
  • check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+6.4%)
  • check_circleLow AI disruption risk
psychology
Wondering if a dental assistant career is the right fit?
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Frequently asked questions

How do I become a dental assistant in Utah? expand_more
The path to dental assistant licensure in Utah: complete the required education (Board-approved courses for expanded functions; CPR or Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification.), and pass the DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam for radiography; DANB Certified Restorative Functions Dental Assistant (CRFDA) exam for restorative functions..
Is a state license required for dental assistants in Utah? expand_more
dental assistants in Utah are not required to hold a state license. Note: Utah does not license dental assistants at the basic level. A permit/certification is required to perform certain expanded functions, such as radiography and restorative procedures, which require specific training and examination. As of May 7, 2025, the division will create certifications for dental auxiliaries to perform expanded functions, including placement of direct restorations and removal of coronal dental adhesive. Minimum age of 18 and a high school diploma or GED are typically required for training programs. CPR certification is mandatory.
What is the average dental assistant salary in Utah? expand_more
Utah dental assistants bring home a median salary of $37,320. That's 21% below the national median of $47,300. The range spans from $35,360 at the entry level to $46,710 for top earners.
How many months or years does dental assistant certification take in Utah? expand_more
Expect to spend Varies by program and certifications sought from start to finish in Utah — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.

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