Steps to get licensed in Utah
- Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program.
- Pass the NBDHE.
- Pass the ADEX or CRDTS clinical exam.
- Hold current CPR/BLS or ACLS/PALS certification.
- Apply to the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL).
Board exams for Utah licensure
Every state requires the written National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). For the hands-on clinical exam, Utah accepts ADEX or CRDTS.
The American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX) exam. It was formerly given through CDCA-WREB-CITA, which included WREB and CITA.
The Central Regional Dental Testing Service exam. SRTA has merged into CRDTS.
Our dental hygiene board exam guide covers how the NBDHE works, how it's scored, and how to study.
Jurisprudence exam and local anesthesia
- Jurisprudence exam
- Not required
Utah doesn't require a separate jurisprudence exam for a first dental hygiene license.
- Local anesthesia
- Separate credential
Utah issues a separate local anesthesia permit. You need accredited anesthesia training and a written anesthesia exam, or active local anesthesia authority from another state.
Moving to Utah with a license from another state
Utah isn't a member of the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact.
If you're already licensed in another state, ask the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing about licensure by credentials (also called endorsement or reciprocity). Our guide to getting a dental hygiene license explains how it usually works.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to become a dental hygienist in Utah?
About 3 years. BLS says dental hygiene programs usually take 3 years. ADEA puts the average associate degree program at 2 years, and most applicants finish prerequisite courses first. Of the 6 schools with dental hygiene programs in Utah, 4 offer an associate degree and 3 offer a bachelor's degree. After you graduate, you pass the NBDHE and a clinical exam, then the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing reviews your application. Dental hygiene schools in Utah
Can I transfer my dental hygiene license to Utah?
Not automatically. Utah isn't in the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact. If you're already licensed in another state, ask the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing about licensure by credentials (also called endorsement or reciprocity). How to get a dental hygiene license
Does Utah require a jurisprudence exam?
No. Utah doesn't require a separate jurisprudence exam for a first dental hygiene license.
Can dental hygienists give local anesthesia in Utah?
Utah issues a separate local anesthesia permit. You need accredited anesthesia training and a written anesthesia exam, or active local anesthesia authority from another state.
Which clinical exams does Utah accept?
Utah accepts ADEX or CRDTS. Dental hygiene board exam guide
Sources
Last verified August 31, 2026.
- commerce.utah.gov /dopl/dentistry
- commerce.utah.gov /dopl/dentistry/exam-information
- law.cornell.edu /regulations/utah/Utah-Admin-Code-R156-69-302c
- adextesting.org /adex-acceptance-map
- crdts.org /srta
Rules change. Confirm with the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing before you rely on them. Official board site