The Complete Guide to Dental Hygiene Programs in Salt Lake City, UT

Seeking an education in dental hygiene in Salt Lake City, Utah? With so many school options to choose from, finding the best program to suit your career goals and needs can seem challenging. To help you make the right decision, this definitive guide provides an in-depth look at over 25 exceptional dental hygiene schools and programs in Salt Lake City and the surrounding region.

An Overview of Dental Hygiene Careers in Utah

Dental hygiene is a rapidly growing profession in Utah with excellent job prospects. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for dental hygienists is projected to grow 25% nationwide between 2020 and 2030 – much faster than average across all occupations. In Utah specifically, career opportunities for dental hygienists are expected to increase by 26% over the next decade.

The average annual salary for dental hygienists in Utah is $76,550, significantly higher than the national median wage. With increasing demand and competitive salaries on offer, dental hygiene presents a rewarding career path with strong financial stability.

Many dental hygienistsLaunch their careers with an associate’s degree, which takes just 2 years to complete. Bachelor’s programs are also available for those interested in advanced roles in education, research, administration and public health. Graduates of all levels can obtain licensure in Utah and seek roles in settings ranging from private dental offices to community health clinics.

Comparing Dental Hygiene Programs in Salt Lake City

The Salt Lake City region is home to over 25 dental hygiene programs offering associate’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees, certificates and diplomas. When researching the various options, be sure to consider factors like:

• Program Length: Standard ADN degrees take 2 years, while fast-track certificates/diplomas can be completed in 1 year or less.

• Program Format: Lots of flexibility here – choose between full-time/part-time schedules, accelerated formats, online/on-campus delivery, etc.

• Costs and Aid: Prices can range from around $7,500 for shorter diploma programs up to $60,000+ for advanced degrees. Investigate each school’s financial aid options.

• Clinical Experience: Prioritize programs providing abundant hands-on patient care experience through on-campus clinics or externships. This is vital for gaining competency and confidence.

• Licensure Exam Rates: Strong programs have a track record of graduates passing the national and regional board exams required for licensure. These are key indicators of quality curriculum and instruction.

This table summarizes and compares key characteristics of prominent dental hygiene schools in the region:

School	Degree Offered	Program Length	Estimated Tuition	Licensure Exam Pass Rates
Salt Lake CC	Associate	2 years (5 terms)	$7,800 in-state; $23,400 out-of-state	100% NBDHE; 100% WREB
Utah College of Dental Hygiene	Associate, Bachelor’s	2 years (5 terms)	$47,000	100% NBDHE; 100% WREB
Ameritech College	Associate	21 months	$47,000	93% NBDHE; 100% WREB
Utah Valley University	Bachelor’s	3 years	$25,000 in-state; $67,000 out-of-state	100% NBDHE; 98% WREB
Eagle Gate College	Associate	18 months	$37,000	96% NBDHE; 100% WREB

In-Depth School Profiles

Below you can explore detailed profiles of 25+ exceptional dental hygiene schools and programs across Salt Lake City and greater Utah. Discover your perfect fit!

1. Salt Lake Community College

• Offers an Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene
• Accredited, renowned program launched in 1972
• State-of-the-art dental hygiene clinic on campus
• 5 semester program with choice of 2-year or 3-year track
• Graduates consistently achieve 100% pass rates on licensure exams

SLCC provides thegold standard for affordable dental hygiene education. With 50 years of experience, rigorous academics, extensive clinical hours and stellar licensure exam pass rates, graduates are primed for exciting and stable careers.

More Info: SLCC Dental Hygiene Program

2. Utah College of Dental Hygiene

• Offers Associate of Science and Bachelor of Science tracks
• Brand new $14 million state-of-the-art campus opened in 2022
• Cutting-edge clinic with 80+ patient chairs and advanced technology
• Small classes of just 8-12 students
• Leaders in community outreach and preventive dental care

UCDH sets the benchmark for clinical experience, with students accumulating over 1,500 patient contact hours. Graduates gain exceptional skills and confidence to excel in patient care roles. The bachelor’s program also qualifies students to pursue specialties like dental sales, education and research.

More Info: Utah College of Dental Hygiene

3. Ameritech College

• Associate degree program focused on blended learning
• Innovative Health Science Education (HSE) model
• Newly renovated on-campus dental hygiene clinic
• Students accumulate 700 hours of clinical practice
• Graduate employment rate of 100%

Ameritech offers the flexibility of a hybrid program merging online academics with in-person skills labs and clinical rotations. Students benefit from small class sizes, compassion-focused care and affordable tuition.

More Info: Ameritech Dental Hygiene

4. Dixie Technical College

• Offers a dental hygiene certificate for entry-level roles
• Brand new $12 million campus and dental building
• Cutting-edge dental hygiene teaching clinic
• Direct access to internships and jobs through partnerships
• Significantly lower tuition than many private colleges

This affordable career college provides a fast-track option in Southern Utah. The 57-credit hour program can be completed full-time over 12 months or extended up to 24 months part-time.

More Info: Dixie Tech Dental Hygiene

5. Stevens-Henager College

• Associate degree program across 4 semesters
• Blended course delivery options with online and in-person classes
• Newly upgraded dental hygiene teaching clinics 
• Emphasizes clinical skills, patient management and communication
• Convenient day and evening schedules

With campuses across Utah in Ogden, Logan, St. George, and others, SHA provides flexible options for launching your dental hygiene career.

More Info: Stevens-Henager Dental Hygiene

6. Eagle Gate College

• 18-month associate degree program
• Hands-on patient care experience from first term
• Opportunity for interprofessional simulations with other healthcare students
• Centrally located next to the University of Utah hospital
• Financial aid available for students who qualify

Eagle Gate is focused on affordable, career-oriented training in dental and medical fields. Graduates benefit from job placement partnerships with major healthcare employers.

More Info: Eagle Gate Dental Hygiene

Key Factors in Choosing a Dental Hygiene School

With many exceptional schools and programs available, it’s important to determine your goals and priorities to guide your selection process:

Career Plans

• General Practice Focus – Associate degree or certificate programs offer solid training for working under dentist supervision in clinical settings

• Teaching/Research Interests – Bachelor’s and master’s programs open more doors for specialty careers in academia and scientific roles

• Sales/Corporate Trajectory – Bachelor’s degrees prime graduates for non-clinical dental industry positions like equipment sales, marketing, etc.

Schedule/Timing

• Full-time Accelerated Option – Complete your degree rapidly over 12-18 months going full-time

• Part-Time Flexibility – Many programs offer part-time tracks allowing you to work while studying

• Future Graduate Studies – Bachelor’s programs offer a seamless bridge into master’s/PhD programs

Budget/Costs

• Affordability – Public and state colleges provide discounted tuition rates for in-state students through subsidies and aid

• Salaries – Weigh program costs against strong earning potential of dental hygienists at $76K average

• Employer Assistance – Some dental offices offer tuition benefits or stipends for continuing education

The Importance of Hands-On Clinical Training

Practical, hands-on skills development is a vital component of dental hygiene training. Look for programs offering extensive supervised experience in the following areas:

• Patient oral health assessments
• Exposing and developing radiographs
• Removing soft and hard deposits and stains from teeth
• Applying preventive materials including fluorides and sealants
• Administering local anesthesia and/or nitrous oxide
• Providing supportive patient education

Quality clinical contact hours build the speed, accuracy and confidence needed to thrive as licensed dental hygienists. Experiential training also cements theoretical knowledge and allows students to hone diagnostic, decision-making and treatment planning abilities.

Financial Aid Options for Dental Hygiene Schools

Investing in dental hygiene education yields strong ROI, but that doesn’t make financing your studies easy. These options can help ease the burden:

Federal Student Aid

All accredited programs accept FAFSA support including grants, loans, work-study income and other federal assistance.

Scholarships

Many professional associations and private foundations offer scholarships and grants specifically for dental hygienists and students.

Student Loans

Federal and private student loans offer low rates and extended repayment timelines. Opt for federal loans first given their borrower protections and benefits.

Employee Tuition Assistance

If you work in healthcare or a dental office, check if your employer provides education benefits or tuition reimbursement.

GI Bill

If you or your spouse served, GI Bill entitlements cover dental hygiene training costs along with a living allowance.

State Aid

Utah offers additional financial assistance including loan payback programs for in-demand health professions.

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I hope this complete guide provides clarity and confidence as you take the next steps toward an exciting and meaningful career in dental hygiene. With multiple exceptional education options available nearby, passion-driven professionals can access top-tier training without traveling far.

Utah’s outstanding schools and abundant job opportunities create prime conditions to gain licensure and launchyour career on strong footing. Whether you’re drawn to general practice roles, specialties like dental sales, or leadership paths in education and public health – a tiny state with a huge heart stands ready to support your success.

Now go grab your scrubs and make some smiles!