Top 6 Dental Hygienist Schools in Utah

This post provides a breakdown of the best colleges in Utah offering dental hygiene programs. If you are looking to earn a degree in oral hygiene, these schools can be good for you.

Dental hygiene or oral hygiene is the practice of keeping your mouth clean and free from diseases. A dental hygienist or oral hygienist is a qualified dental professional, licensed by the regulatory body or dental association within their country to practice. The roles of a dental hygienist include using different sets of tools and techniques to remove tartar, stains, and plaque from the teeth.

They also improve the dental health of their patients by preventing cavities and tooth loss and examining patients for signs of the oral disease while promoting overall dental health. A dental hygienist is not a doctor, a dentist is, but they sometimes act as assistants to dentists most times, an oral hygienist operates on their own.

Unlike dentistry, it doesn’t take long to become a dental hygienist and it isn’t as expensive either. It is one of the low-stress jobs that pay well without a degree and with an associate degree, which takes 2 years to complete, you can earn your license and start practicing. But to get more opportunities in the field and earn a higher salary, a bachelor’s degree will be better to get.

Applying for an undergraduate degree at one of the top dental hygienist schools in Utah will give you that extra boost you need to advance your career and earn higher. With a high-quality education and a widely-recognized degree from one of the dental hygiene colleges in Utah, you will get better opportunities and explore as far and wide as you want.

Some of the perks of the program are that they are not expensive and they accept international students. You will also gain hands-on experience during your studies.

There are also other high-quality programs you can find in Utah and other US states like culinary programs and accelerated nursing programs. And if you are looking to earn a dental hygienist program online, there are online colleges mostly in the US that offer the course and a variety of others. You can also skim through our wide array of posts on free online courses that you can take at your leisure to enhance your skill.

Requirements for Dental Hygienist Schools in Utah

Entry into a dental hygiene program in Utah includes:

  • You must have completed high school and earned your diploma, GED, or its equivalent
  • Submit high school transcripts
  • Some schools set entrance exams, you need to pass it
  • Complete an entry interview
  • Clear all medical and legal requirements
  • International applicants whose first language is not English must take the recognized English language proficiency tests and submit scores.
  • International applicants must provide proof of finance to fund education
  • Complete application form
  • Recommendation letter(s)
  • A personal statement or essay or statement of purpose may be required.

To secure a seat at one of the dental hygienist schools in Utah, you should get high grades in your high school GPA, score high in the entrance exams, gain some experience in the healthcare field maybe work as a medical assistant or part of a volunteer group, be involved in your community, and write a strong essay or personal statement if required.

These are some extra tips that can increase your chances of entering an oral hygiene program in Utah or anywhere else.

Average Cost of Dental Hygienist Schools in Utah

The cost of dental hygiene programs in Utah varies from school to school, residency status of students, and degree type. You can expect the cost to range from $6,963 to $30,421 per year. The cheapest is the associate degree while the costliest the s master’s.

How to Become A Licensed Dental Hygienist in Utah

The steps to becoming a licensed, practicing dental hygienist in Utah are:

  • Apply for a dental hygiene program at one of the accredited dental hygiene colleges in Utah
  • Graduate from the program and pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination
  • Pass a Dental Hygienist Clinical Examination from an approved provider
  • Apply for a Dental Hygienist License with the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing
  • Maintain your dental hygienist license in Utah

DENTAL HYGIENIST SCHOOLS IN UTAH

Best Dental Hygienist Schools in Utah

The following are the best dental hygiene programs in Utah approved by the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation:

  • Utah Tech University
  • Utah College of Dental Hygiene
  • Fortis College
  • Salt Lake Community College
  • Utah Valley University
  • Weber State University

1.     Utah Tech University

Utah Tech University is a prestigious public university in George, Utah, and one of the cheapest nursing schools in the US for international students. The tech school offers up to 240 programs including a dental hygiene program which is offered by the College of Health Sciences at the university. The program takes 2 years of full-time study to complete with students equipped with theoretical and clinical knowledge necessary for dental hygiene practice.

The dental hygiene program at Utah Tech is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). The degree offered is the bachelor of science.

2.     Utah College of Dental Hygiene

Utah College of Dental Hygiene is one of the prestigious dental schools in the state offering an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene (BSHD) degree in 20 months. The school was launched in 2007 and has graduated over 870 students to date. It is centered on training Utah residents in dental hygiene programs.

It is also accredited by CODA.

3.     Fortis College

If you are looking for a dental hygiene program that comes with flexibility, Fortis College should be on your list. The college is located in Salt Lake City and offers an adaptable curriculum that allows flexibility as some of the courses are offered online. It is also one of the most in-demand schools in Utah for dental hygiene programs.

The program is fused with theoretical coursework and clinical training designed to prepare students for success in their careers. The college offers an associate degree in dental hygiene.

4.     Salt Lake Community College

Community colleges are known for offering 2-year programs that lead to an associate degree and are also known for offering practical courses. Salt Lake Community College is no different from their program offerings and the dental hygiene program they offer is packed with hands-on training designed to equip you with essential skills to become the dental hygienist you have always dreamed to be.

The college also has state-of-the-art facilities for dental hygiene training where students will work with industry professionals and cultivate effective skills.

5.     Utah Valley University

Utah Valley University is located in Orem, Utah, and houses a College of Health and Public Service that offers one of the best dental hygiene programs in the state. The program is a reputable one in Utah with a 99% success board pass rate and can get you a high-paying job immediately after you graduate.

The program leads to two degrees: an Associate of Applied Science (AA) in Dental Hygiene and a Bachelor of Science which is completely done online.

6.     Weber State University

This is a public university located in Ogden, Utah, and offers one of the best dental hygiene programs in the state. The school houses a health faculty known as the Dumke College of Health Professions where you will find the Department of Dental Hygiene. The department offers two dental hygiene degrees leading to an associate of science and a bachelor of science, students can apply for anyone that fits their needs.

The department also houses a fully-functional clinic that treats patients and at the same time equips students with practical skills to achieve success in their careers.

This rounds up the list of best dental hygienist schools in Utah and from here you should be able to find a program that fits your academic and professional needs. Visit each of the schools to learn more about the admission process and deadlines.

Dental Hygienist Schools in Utah – FAQs

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