Loading...
Loading...
Dental Hygienist
Total cost: $464
Governing Authority
Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) - Dentistry Board
Official website →Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
Degree from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program; transcripts must include the degree earned and conferred date
Degree Required
Required
NBDHE
Required
Clinical Exam
$464
Total Initial Fees
30 hrs
CE Hours
Allowed
Local Anesthesia
Degree from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program; transcripts must include the degree earned and conferred date Program must be CODA (Commission on Dental Accreditation) accredited. Program length: 2-3 years.
Pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). Format: 350 multiple-choice questions, computer-based. Passing score: 75.
Pass a clinical board examination. Utah accepts: Regional clinical exam (specific exams accepted per Board policy). No state-specific exam; official regional exam results must be sent directly from exam organization
Pass the Utah dental jurisprudence exam. Utah Dental Jurisprudence Examination.
Obtain current CPR/BLS certification, CPR/BLS certification (current), Local anesthesia permit (optional, separate upgrade application), Nitrous oxide analgesia certification (optional, separate upgrade application).
Submit your application to the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) - Dentistry Board. Application fee: $464. Total initial fees: $464.
Renew your license every 2 years (biennial); all dental licenses expire on May 31 of even years. 30 CE hours required.
CE Hours Required
30 hours
Per 2 years (biennial); all dental licenses expire on may 31 of even years renewal cycle
Renewal Cycle
2 years (biennial); all dental licenses expire on May 31 of even years
Required CE Topics
6 topic areas
Up to 10 hours for teaching dental CE to others, Up to 15 hours internet/home study (verified by exam and certificate), Up to 6 hours CE sponsored by Utah DOPL, +3 more
Degree Required
CODA-Accredited Program Required
Program Details
2-3 years
Program Length
Browse Dental Hygienist study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
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
Overall licensing difficulty: 14/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
NBDHE (National Board Dental Hygiene Exam)
Browse study guides
Dental Hygiene Exam Prep Books
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
Prepare with realistic NBDHE (National Board Dental Hygiene Exam) practice tests from Exam Edge →(affiliate link)See our discount
Study guides and practice tests for the NBDHE licensing exam.
Browse Study Guides on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
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 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Calculate your licensing ROI →
See how quickly your license investment pays for itself.
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years (biennial); all dental licenses expire on 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.
For a deeper dive into CE requirements and deadlines, see our dental hygienist license renewal guide.
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.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Utah with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
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.
Dental Hygienist requirements in nearby states
Other professional licenses in Utah
See how Utah compares: Dental Hygienist License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Related Guides
Compare dental hygienist requirements across all states →
Dental Hygienist licensing requirements nationwide →
Not sure dental hygienist is right for you? Find careers that match your situation →
How does Utah compare to other states for dental hygienist? See the full comparison →
Calculate the return on investment for your dental hygienist license →
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Utah.
Dental Hygienist Schools in Utah
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Moving to Utah? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Dental Hygienist license to Utah →
Transfer your Dental Hygienist license from Utah to: Arizona → | Colorado → | Idaho → | Nevada → | New Mexico → | Wyoming →
Utah requires a Degree from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program; transcripts must include the degree earned and conferred date 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.