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How to become a licensed dental hygienist in Utah. Degree required: Degree from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program with degree earned and conferred. NBDHE: required. Local anesthesia permitted. Total initial fees: $464. Verified 2026-03-08. Data verified 2026-03-08. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Dental Hygienist
Governing Authority
Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) - Dentistry Board
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Degree from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program with degree earned and conferred
Degree Required
Required
NBDHE
Required
Clinical Exam
$464
Total Initial Fees
30 hrs
CE Hours
Allowed
Local Anesthesia
Degree Required
CODA-Accredited Program Required
Program Details
2-3 years
Program Length
Required
NBDHE (National Board)
Required
Clinical Exam
Required
Jurisprudence Exam
National Board Exam (NBDHE)
VerifiedExam Name
National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE)
Passing Score
75%
Exam Format
350 multiple-choice questions, computer-based
Clinical Exam
Mostly verifiedAccepted Clinical Exams
State-Specific Exam
No state-specific exam; official regional exam results must be sent directly from exam organization
Jurisprudence Exam
Mostly verifiedExam Name
Utah Dental Jurisprudence Examination
Official Title
Dental Hygienist
Requirements
CODA-accredited degree, NBDHE, regional clinical exam, CPR/BLS certification
Supervision
General supervision
Additional Requirements
Official Title
Dental Hygienist with Local Anesthesia and Nitrous Oxide Analgesia Permit
Requirements
Standard dental hygienist license plus additional local anesthesia and/or nitrous oxide analgesia certification
Supervision
General supervision for local anesthesia; indirect supervision for nitrous oxide analgesia
Additional Requirements
Official Title
Public Health Setting Practice (without general supervision)
Requirements
Dental hygienist license, practice in a public health setting, one-time notification to DOPL
Supervision
No supervision required in public health settings (one-time notification to DOPL)
Additional Requirements
Permitted Procedures
VerifiedAllowed
Local Anesthesia
Allowed
Nitrous Oxide
Allowed
Restorative Duties
Not Allowed
Laser Use
Notes
Local anesthesia requires a separate permit (administered under general supervision). Nitrous oxide analgesia requires certification and must be administered under indirect supervision. Dental hygienists may perform restorative functions. Practice without supervision allowed in public health settings with one-time notification to DOPL.
Permitted Supervision Arrangements
VerifiedGeneral Supervision
Dentist authorizes procedures but need not be present
Direct Supervision
Dentist must be present in the facility
Indirect Supervision
Dentist has authorized procedures and is available
Unsupervised Practice
Hygienist can practice independently without a dentist
Notes
Utah allows general supervision (dentist need not be present). Dental hygienists may practice without general supervision or a collaborative practice agreement in public health settings with a one-time notification to DOPL. Nitrous oxide requires indirect supervision. Local anesthesia may be administered under general supervision.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Total initial licensing fees | $464 |
Total Initial Fees Total initial licensing fees per DOPL | $464 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years (biennial, expires May 31 of even years)
Renewal Period
30 hrs
CE Hours Required
CE Topics
Regulatory Board
Dental hygienist licenses must be renewed on schedule. Most states require continuing education covering infection control, CPR/BLS, ethics, and clinical topics relevant to dental hygiene practice.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
Mostly verifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
Reciprocity Type
Endorsement
Transfer Details
Utah accepts out-of-state applicants who meet all Utah-specific requirements including NBDHE, regional clinical exam, and education credentials.
Additional Requirements for Transfer
Dental hygienist license reciprocity varies by state. Many states offer licensure by credentials or endorsement for hygienists with active licenses in other states, though additional exams or documentation may be required.
CPR/BLS Certification Required
CPR/BLS certification (current)
Local anesthesia permit (optional, separate upgrade application)
Nitrous oxide analgesia certification (optional, separate upgrade application)
Utah has a notable direct access provision allowing dental hygienists to practice without supervision in public health settings with only a one-time notification to DOPL (no collaborative agreement required). Local anesthesia can be administered under general supervision (dentist not present), while nitrous oxide requires the stricter indirect supervision. All dental licenses expire on the same date (May 31 of even years). CE credits may be earned through volunteer dental care and teaching. The total initial licensing fee of $464 is higher than average.
Utah allows unsupervised practice in public health settings with just a one-time notification to DOPL -- a significant direct access provision.
Local anesthesia can be administered under general supervision (dentist not present), which is more permissive than many states.
Nitrous oxide requires indirect supervision (stricter than local anesthesia).
Restorative duties are permitted.
All licenses expire on May 31 of even years regardless of when issued.
CE allows credit for volunteer dental care (up to 4.5 hours) and teaching (up to 10 hours).
Military members and spouses should review special Military Resources before applying.
Online application available through MyLicenseOne portal.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Utah.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#38 of 51
Cost
#35 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Dental Hygienists (SOC 29-1292)
Entry Level
$79,080
25th percentile
Median
$82,610
-12% vs. national avg ($94,260)Experienced
$93,490
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
3,940 employed in this state
Source: BLS OEWS – Dental Hygienists (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+4.7%
Average GrowthNew Jobs
+10,200
over 10 years
Annual Openings
12,200
per year (avg.)
218,200 currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Dental Career Ladder+254% salary growth potential
You are here
Dental Hygienist
$82,610
Associate/bachelor's in dental hygiene + NBDHE
Dental assisting program (9-12 months)
$37,320
You are here
Dental Hygienist
Associate/bachelor's in dental hygiene + NBDHE
$82,610
DDS/DMD degree (4 years) + INBDE
$132,270
Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024 for this state. Career paths represent common advancement routes — actual progression may vary. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 112–226 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Study guides and practice tests for the NBDHE licensing exam.
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Utah requires a Degree from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program with degree earned and conferred from a CODA-accredited program. The NBDHE is required. Dental hygienists may administer local anesthesia. All licensing is managed through the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) - Dentistry Board.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state dental board.