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
- High School Diploma or GED — Proof of secondary education completion.
- CPR/BCLS Certification — Current certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation or Basic Cardiac Life Support.
- Radiology Course Certificate — Certificate of completion from a board-approved radiology course or DANB RHS exam results (must be kept on file at the dental office).
- EFDA Exam Results — Passing scores from an approved expanded functions examination (e.g., DANB CRFDA or CDCA-WREB-CITA) if applying for EFDA certification.
How to Apply
-
Verify Basic Requirements ▾Ensure you are at least 18 years old and possess a high school diploma or GED. You must also obtain and maintain a current CPR or Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification.
View FAQ -
Complete Radiology Training ▾To legally expose radiographs (X-rays) in Utah, you must either complete a CODA-accredited dental assisting course, pass the DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam, or complete a board-approved radiology course (e.g., through the Utah Dental Association).
UDA Radiology Course -
Obtain National Certification (Optional) ▾While not required for basic practice, obtaining the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) credential from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) is highly recommended for career advancement and is a prerequisite for some expanded functions.
DANB Utah Requirements -
Apply for EFDA Certification (Optional) ▾If you intend to perform expanded functions such as placing direct restorations or removing coronal dental adhesive, you must apply for the Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary (EFDA) certification through DOPL.
DOPL Dentistry Page -
Submit Background Check ▾For EFDA certification, you must submit to a criminal background check, which includes providing fingerprints to the Division of Professional Licensing.
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
-
Verify Out-of-State License ▾You must hold a current, active license or certification in good standing from another state that has substantially equivalent requirements.
-
Document Work Experience ▾Provide evidence of at least 1,000 hours of work experience in the past two years performing expanded functions or radiology duties.
-
Submit Endorsement Application ▾Complete the DOPL application for certification by endorsement and pay the required processing fee.
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
Missing CPR Certification
▾
Failure to maintain a current CPR/BCLS card is a common reason for application rejection or workplace non-compliance.
Incomplete Radiology Documentation
▾
Dental assistants often assume they are certified through on-the-job training without completing a formal board-approved course or exam.
Background Check Processing
▾
Fingerprint-based background checks can take several weeks; applicants should complete this step as early as possible.
Questions
Do I need a license to work as a dental assistant in Utah?
▾
No, basic dental assisting is not a licensed profession in Utah. However, specific certifications are required for radiology and expanded functions.
What are the requirements to take X-rays in Utah?
▾
You must complete a board-approved radiology course or pass the DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam. You do not need to apply for a separate state license for this, but you must keep your certificate of completion as proof.
What is an EFDA in Utah?
▾
An Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary (EFDA) is a certified professional who can perform advanced tasks like placing direct restorations and removing coronal dental adhesive under a dentist's supervision.
Are there continuing education (CE) requirements?
▾
Basic dental assistants have no state-mandated CE requirements other than maintaining CPR certification. However, those holding EFDA certification must meet specific CE standards for renewal.
Board Info
Sources