Dental Hygienist in Utah

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

Median annual salary

$82,610

trending_down -12.4% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Utah.

engineering

3,940

Jobs (UT)

monitoring Strong

+7.0%

10-yr job growth

payments

$512

Licensing fees

schedule

3-5 years

Time to complete

route How to become a dental hygienist in Utah

To become a licensed Dental Hygienist in Utah, individuals must graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program. Applicants must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), a regional clinical exam (such as WREB, CRDTS, ADEX, CDCA, SRTA, or CITA), and the Utah Dental and Dental Hygiene Law and Rule Examination. A criminal background check, fingerprints, and current CPR/BLS certification are also required, along with a board-approved Local Anesthesia Certification. Utah participates in the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact, which aims to facilitate license portability among member states.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $76,650

25th percentile $79,080

50th (median) $82,610

75th percentile $93,490

90th (experienced) $97,370

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

checklist Utah requirements

Licensing body	Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing - Dental Board
State license	Required
Education	Associate degree in Dental Hygiene from a CODA-accredited program
Exam	National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), a regional clinical exam (WREB, CRDTS, ADEX, CDCA, SRTA, or CITA), and the Utah Dental and Dental Hygiene Law and Rule Examination ($465)
Application fee	$47
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	30.0 hours per cycle
Notes	CPR/BLS certification is required. Renewal is by May 31 of even-numbered years. A criminal background check and fingerprints are required. Local Anesthesia Certification is required in Utah and must be obtained through a board-approved course. CPR recertification hours do not count towards CE.

Source: Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing - Dental Board

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+7.0%

Faster than average

Annual openings

15,300

Nationwide per year

Total employment

221,600

Nationwide

balance Is it worth it?

check_circleUtah license required — clearer credential signal to employers
check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+7.0%)

psychology

Wondering if a dental hygienist career is the right fit?

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Frequently asked questions

How do I become a dental hygienist in Utah? expand_more

To become a dental hygienist in Utah, you need to complete the required education (Associate degree in Dental Hygiene from a CODA-accredited program), pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), a regional clinical exam (WREB, CRDTS, ADEX, CDCA, SRTA, or CITA), and the Utah Dental and Dental Hygiene Law and Rule Examination, and submit your application ($47 fee).

Is a dental hygienist license required in Utah? expand_more

Utah mandates state licensure for dental hygienists. Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing - Dental Board oversees the process, which includes passing the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), a regional clinical exam (WREB, CRDTS, ADEX, CDCA, SRTA, or CITA), and the Utah Dental and Dental Hygiene Law and Rule Examination.

How much does a dental hygienist make in Utah? expand_more

In Utah, the median pay for dental hygienists comes to $82,610/year. That's 12% below the national median of $94,260. New dental hygienists start around $76,650; seasoned professionals can reach $97,370.

What's the total cost to get dental hygienist certified in Utah? expand_more

Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($465) and application fee ($47) plus your education and training.

How long does it take to become a dental hygienist in Utah? expand_more

The typical timeline in Utah is 3-5 years. This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.

Does Utah require continuing education for dental hygienists? expand_more

Utah requires 30.0 hours of continuing education every 2.0 years to maintain your dental hygienist license.