Utah Dental Assistant License
Utah Division of Professional Licensing
Total Fee
$55
Processing Time
Not Applicable
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
What You'll Need
- Proof of Training — Certificate from CODA-accredited program or documentation of on-the-job training hours.
- DANB Certification — Official CDA certification from the Dental Assisting National Board, if applicable.
- Radiography Certification — Proof of radiography competency/certification required for taking x-rays.
- Fingerprint background check — through IdentoGO (IDEMIA)
- Application fee — $55
How to Apply
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Understand Delegated Duties ▾A dental assistant in Utah performs duties as delegated by a supervising licensed dentist, adhering to the scope outlined in the Utah Administrative Code Rule R156-69. There is no state application portal for general dental assistant licensing through the Utah DOPL.
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Meet Dentist's Requirements ▾The hiring dentist is responsible for ensuring the dental assistant has the necessary skills, training, and competency for the tasks delegated, as no state-mandated license is required for the general dental assistant role.
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Consider Expanded Functions (If applicable) ▾For specific expanded functions (e.g., coronal polishing, fluoride application, monitoring nitrous oxide), additional training, education, or certification may be required as specified by the supervising dentist or relevant regulations. However, these are generally not state licenses issued for the dental assistant profession itself.
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Maintain Professional Standards ▾Adhere to the professional and ethical standards established for the dental profession in Utah, as outlined by the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) for all dental professionals.
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Employment with a Licensed Dentist ▾Work under the direct or indirect supervision of a dentist who is actively licensed by the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL). You can verify a dentist's license using the DOPL License Lookup system.
Total Fee
$55
Processing Time
Not Applicable
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Contact the Utah Division of Professional Licensing for current transfer requirements.
Steps
-
Submit Your Application ▾Apply through the Utah Division of Professional Licensing. The application fee is $55.
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Provide License Verification ▾Utah requires official verification of your active out-of-state license. This must be sent directly to the board from your current state board or its official online verification system before your file can be considered complete.
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Provide Proof of Training ▾Certificate from CODA-accredited program or documentation of on-the-job training hours.
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Provide DANB Certification ▾Official CDA certification from the Dental Assisting National Board, if applicable.
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Provide Radiography Certification ▾Proof of radiography competency/certification required for taking x-rays.
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Complete Fingerprinting and Background Screening ▾Utah requires a criminal background check for all applicants. Out-of-state applicants can use IdentoGO Out-of-State Live Scan OR FD-258 hard card via mail. Completing prints outside Utah can add 2-4 weeks to your processing time.
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Await Board Processing ▾Plan for a processing timeline of about Not Applicable once your file is complete. If you need to start working immediately, most states do not offer temporary practice authorization during the endorsement process. Contact the state board directly for current policies on practice authorization while your application is pending.
Total Fee
Contact board
Renewal Cycle
Not Applicable
Compact
No
Board
Utah Division of Professional Licensing
Keeping Your License Active
Utah Dental Assistant licenses renew Not Applicable. Contact the Utah Division of Professional Licensing for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $55 |
| Endorsement application | $55 |
Slow Downs
Fingerprinting delays
▾
Out-of-state prints can add 2-4 weeks to your timeline.
Missing or incomplete documents
▾
Have all your documents ready before starting the application to avoid processing delays.
Application errors
▾
Double-check that your name matches across all documents exactly. Mismatches are a common reason for delays.
Utah-specific note
▾
Utah may require verification of specific expanded functions training, and documentation from out-of-state programs is often delayed.
Questions
Does Utah require a dental assistant license?
▾
Yes, Utah requires Licensed Dental Assistant through the state board.
Is DANB certification recognized in Utah?
▾
Yes, DANB CDA certification is recognized and often preferred by employers in Utah.
Can I take dental x-rays in Utah?
▾
Yes, but a radiography permit or certification is required.
How much does it cost to become a dental assistant in Utah?
▾
State application fees are $55. Additional costs may include DANB CDA exam ($450), radiography certification, and background check fees.
Board Info
Sources