Become a Dental Assistant in Utah - UT

By allied health world contributing writer
Published: January, 30 2010

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The state of Utah has one of the highest concentrations of dental assistants in the country. It is third only behind California and Washington. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2008 there were 4,380 registered dental assistants in Utah. Of the 4,380 dental assistants in the state, almost 800 for them are employed in the Provo-Orem metropolitan area.

Most states do not require dental assistants to be licensed or certified in any way. To become a dental assistant in Utah, much like the majority of the states, a license is not necessary. The state does not require any education or training beyond a high school level for dental assistants. Dental assistants primarily learn their trade on-the-job.

Dental assistants can become certified through the Dental Assisting Nation Board (DANB) by passing a CODA-accredited program, but it is not required. In addition, dental assistants can pass the national DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) Exam or an equivalent Utah Dentistry Board-approved exam in order to operate x-ray equipment and perform radiologic procedures in Utah, under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist.

Most employers do require dental assistants to be 18 years old, have a high school diploma, and be certified in CPR.