Guides · Careers · 5 min read
How to Become a Dental Assistant in Utah
By Elizabeth Carr, DHA · 5 min read
Utah does not require dental assistants to hold a permit, registration or license. There is no expanded function certification in Utah. Before exposing radiographs you must complete a CODA-accredited dental assisting course, pass the DANB Radiation Health and Safety exam, or complete a radiology course and exam approved by the Utah Dentist and Dental Hygienist Licensing Board. Verify current rules with the Utah Division of Professional Licensing before enrolling in any course.
Utah does not require dental assistants to hold a permit, registration or license, and there is no expanded function certification. Radiography requires training through one of three routes. This guide comes from DentalReady's fifty-state requirements research: what you can do from day one in Utah, the certifications that expand your duties, and the realistic path in. Rules change, so the Utah Division of Professional Licensing link at the bottom is always the final word.
What you can do from day one
Utah practices hire entry-level assistants and grow their duties with training. The table below lists duties the state allows dental assistants to perform, with training or certification requirements noted where they apply.
| Allowed duty |
|---|
| Chairside assisting |
| Taking radiographs (with required radiography training) |
| Coronal polishing |
| Applying fluoride and sealants |
| Taking impressions |
| Removing sutures |
Certifications and X-rays in Utah
No dental assistant permit required. Radiography training required through one of three routes, with no permit issued.
No expanded function certification exists in Utah. CPR or basic cardiac life support certification required.
The fastest realistic path
Step 1: Build real preparation first: instruments, procedure flow, infection control, and patient communication, so a hiring dentist sees you as useful in week one.
Step 2: Apply to entry-level and willing-to-train postings across Utah, and ask each practice which certifications they sponsor.
Step 3: Complete the radiography training as your duties grow, and confirm every requirement with the Utah Division of Professional Licensing.
Common questions
Do dental assistants need a license in Utah?
No. Utah has no permit, registration, licensure or certification for dental assistants, and no expanded function title. The rules govern assistants through a list of prohibited duties instead. The only formal requirements are CPR certification and meeting one of the three radiography routes before exposing radiographs.
Can dental assistants take X-rays in Utah?
Yes, after completing a CODA-accredited dental assisting course, passing the DANB Radiation Health and Safety exam, or completing a radiology course and exam approved by the Utah Dentist and Dental Hygienist Licensing Board. No permit is issued, so keep your own documentation. Many assistants complete this after being hired, often with employer support.
Where do I verify Utah's rules?
The Utah Division of Professional Licensing publishes the current duty lists and radiography requirements for dental assistants. Check it before enrolling in any course.
Walk into your first interview already knowing the room.
Start your preparationSources
Written by Elizabeth Carr, DHA, Program Director, DentalReady; former Dental Hygiene Department Chair, UMMC School of Dentistry
Keep reading
Dental Assistant Salary in Utah: The Numbers and the LadderHow to Become a Dental Assistant Without Going to SchoolDental Assistant Certification vs. Training: What Is the Difference?