Practicing proper dental hygiene is key to our overall oral health and general physical well-being. Improper dental hygiene practices can result in harmful bacteria which can cause cavities, gum disease, and even heart problems. Whether they are providing cleanings or education on oral health regimens, dental hygienists play a crucial role in helping to ensure their patients enjoy healthy teeth and gums.
By choosing to enroll in a program at a quality dental hygienist school in Utah, those people who are passionate about dental health and patient care can start on their path to pursue a successful career in the profession.
What to Expect From Dental Hygienist School in Utah
Dental hygienist schools in Utah offer dental hygiene programs designed to prepare students to become licensed oral health professionals by training them with the knowledge and skills they need to provide the educational, preventive, and clinical therapeutic services to dental patients.
Educational Services
In a dental hygiene program, students learn how to educate patients on proper oral hygiene practices. This includes instruction on:
Effective brushing and flossing techniques
The role of diet in maintaining oral health
The use of fluoride and other preventive measures
Students also receive training on how to advise patients with dental appliances, such as braces and dentures, on their care.
Preventive Services
During their education, students in dental hygiene programs gain hands-on experience in delivering preventive services. This includes:
Performing professional teeth cleanings to remove plaque and tartar
Applying sealants and fluoride treatments to protect teeth
Conducting oral health assessments to identify potential issues early
Dental hygienist curricula also typically cover topics such as how to help patients develop personalized care plans that support their optimal oral health.
Clinical Therapeutic Services
The clinical component of dental hygiene education focuses on therapeutic services. Students learn about:
Performing periodontal therapies to treat gum diseases
Taking and developing dental X-rays
Administering local anesthetics
Assisting dentists with various dental procedures
Dental hygiene training programs provide extensive clinical practice, ensuring students are adept at working with patients and comfortable with the hands-on, day-to-day activities and techniques dental professionals use when caring for their patients’ oral health.
Professional Outcomes of a Dental Hygiene Degree
Upon completion of their training and certification, dental hygienists have a number of career opportunities they can choose from across various professional settings.
Most professionals in the field take on a clinical role in a private dental practice, community clinic, hospital, or school. Clinical roles involve direct patient care and preventive services.
Corporate roles also present attractive possibilities. Dental hygienists can choose to pursue work as a sales representative, promoting and selling dental products, or they can take a different path and select to pursue work as a product researcher, contributing to the development and testing of new oral health products.
Dental hygienists can also find employment working in a community health program funded by a government agency or nonprofit organization. These positions typically require advanced education and allow dental hygienists to provide care to underserved populations, such as in rural or inner-city clinics or through school sealant programs.
Dental hygienists can pursue a career in research, education, or administration as well. They can work in a college, university, or governmental agency, contributing to the advancement of dental hygiene through teaching, research, and program management.
Benefits of Attending Dental Hygienist School in Utah
Attending dental hygienist school in Salt Lake City, Utah offers numerous benefits.
For one, professional growth looks promising for dental hygienists in the state. In March 2023, the Utah Senate passed a bill expanding the state’s Medicaid dental coverage. This expansion, which will increase access to dental care substantially, along with Utah’s high population growth rate has the potential to translate into strong job security and numerous employment opportunities for dental hygienists.
Additionally, U.S. News & World Report ranked dental hygienists as the third best healthcare support job in the nation in 2024.
Dental Hygiene School Requirements
To pursue a career in dental hygiene, individuals can take key steps to ensure they meet the necessary requirements.
Step 1: Get a High School or GED Diploma
First, aspiring dental hygienists need to obtain a high school or GED diploma. High school students interested in a dental hygiene career should consider a focus on STEM courses in chemistry, biology, and math, as these are often prerequisites for dental hygiene programs.
Step 2: Pursue Dental Hygiene Training
Next, prospective dental hygienists will want to enroll in an accredited dental hygiene training program. These programs typically take two years to complete, including both classroom instruction and clinical practice.
Training programs may cover the following areas:
Dental anatomy
Oral pathology
Radiography
Oral health education
Patient management
Community dental health
Step 3: Pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination
After completing the dental hygiene program, graduates must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). This comprehensive exam tests candidates’ knowledge in areas such as anatomy, patient assessment, periodontal procedures, and professional ethics.
Step 4: Pass a Regional Clinical Board Exam
Candidates also need to pass a regional clinical exam that evaluates their clinical skills and competency in dental hygiene practices. The following organizations administer exams that meet this requirement:
Western Regional Examining Board (WREB)
Central Regional Dental Testing Service (CRDTS)
Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (CDCA)
Council of Interstate Testing Agencies (CITA)
Southern Regional Testing Agency (SRTA)
Step 5: Obtain Licensure in Utah
After passing the required exams, candidates must apply for licensure with the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing. This application requires a processing fee, official transcripts documenting completion of an accredited dental hygiene program, and official score reports showing passing scores on the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and one of the regional examinations.
Dental Hygienist Employment Outlook in Utah
With an aging population and greater awareness about the importance of oral health, the demand for dental hygienists is expected to grow. Between 2022 and 2032 the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of dental hygienists will increase by 7% nationally. That’s more than double the forecasted growth rate for all occupations.
In the state of Utah, the projected growth rate for dental hygienists exceeds that already high number. Projections Central forecasts an impressive 25% growth in employment of dental hygienists between 2022 and 2032.
Launch a Successful Career as a Dental Hygienist
Considering enrolling in dental hygienist school in Utah? Fortis College in Salt Lake City offers a comprehensive associate degree in dental hygiene program that prepares students for licensure and successful entry into the field. With a balance of classroom instruction, laboratory practice, and real-world clinical experience, students can develop the skills needed to excel as a dental hygienist.
Explore how Fortis College’s dental hygiene program in Utah can prepare you for a rewarding career.