With over 800 practicing dental assistants and 123 dentist offices in Salt Lake City proper according to recent census data, opportunities abound in the area‘s booming dental industry. Utah‘s 10% job growth rate for dental assistants significantly outpaces the 5% national average, indicating substantial demand, especially in metro regions, that is expected to continue over the next decade.
High demand makes this an ideal time for aspiring dental assistants to gain the training and certifications needed to launch their careers. To help readers navigate the range of quality programs in Salt Lake City, this comprehensive guide compares offerings across the following key areas:
- Program types and learning formats
- Course curriculum and areas of focus
- Hands-on training opportunities
- Faculty credentials and experience
- Costs and financial assistance availability
- Graduation certifications and credentials
- Career support services and graduate outcomes
Understanding these aspects will empower students to choose the best-fit option aligned to their learning preferences, career ambitions, and budget.
Breakdown of Popular Program Types
Prospective students will first want to understand the range of program types and formats available when exploring their education options:
Diploma Programs: Typically 8 months – 2 years in length, diploma programs offer robust dental assisting training for those without higher education experience. Most are full-time commitments awarding a diploma certification upon completion.
Degree Pathways: For students seeking an applied sciences degree, some colleges offer a 2-year Associate of Science track. These blend general education courses with occupational dental assisting training.
Certificate Programs: Condensed offerings of 8-15 weeks in length focusing exclusively on vocational dental assisting skills training and clinical practice. Graduates earn certification(s).
Hybrid Models: Some schools create flexible options combining online and in-classroom education. These allow working professionals to balance existing commitments more easily while training part-time.
With multiple delivery methods available through reputable colleges, universities, and specialized schools, students can find the right approach for their needs and priorities when taking the important step of progressing towards a dental assisting career.
Program Spotlights: Ranking Salt Lake City‘s Top Providers
Drawing on the latest industry statistics and graduate outcomes data, the following rankings showcase Salt Lake City‘s top training programs across educational sectors.
1. Fortis College
Celebrating 50 years educating healthcare professionals, privately-owned Fortis College offers a 9-month diploma program covering all facets of dental assisting.
Format: Full-time, on-campus
Program Duration: 36 weeks
Enrollment Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer
Class Size: 12 students average
With a competitive 12:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive abundant personalized coaching and mentoring to hone clinical skills. Graduates consistently post 90%+ pass rates for the national Certified Dental Assistant exam. Fortis also provides job placement partnerships with over 500 regional dental clinics to set graduates up for career success.
Estimated Total Cost: $15,132
Financial Aid: Available for qualifying students
Certifications Awarded: CDA, X-Ray Function, CPR/BLS
Hands-on Training: 300+ hours of clinical rotations
Faculty Experience: Instructors average 15 years of professional dental experience
Career Placement Rate: Over 80% of graduates secure full-time employment in-field
With its proven training model combining rigorous coursework, extensive practical learning, and career launch support, Fortis College offers an excellent launchpad for aspiring dental assistants in the Salt Lake region.
2. Dental Fundamentals School of Dental Assisting
As Utah‘s first dedicated dental assisting school, Dental Fundamentals School offers an immersive 10-week program with flexible day and evening options tailored for adult career changers.
Format: Part-time in-person, flexible schedules
Program Duration: 10 weeks at 12 hours/week
Enrollment Seasons: Rolling
Class Size: Just 5 students
The highly personalized program averages 92% first-time pass rates on national exams thanks to abundant individual coaching from instructors averaging 8+ years professional experience. Graduates consistently secure employment within 2 months after completing externships.
Estimated Total Cost: $3,999
Financial Aid: Private lending available
Certifications Awarded: RDA, X-Ray Function, CPR, HIPAA, OSHA, Infection Control
Hands-on Training: 80+ hours of clinical and lab work
Faculty Experience: 8 years professional practice average
Career Placement Rate: Over 90% employed within 2 months post-graduation
With competitive pricing and scheduling combined with proven graduate outcomes, Dental Fundamentals offers a powerful launchpad for full-time employees aiming to transition into dental assisting roles.
3. Summit Dental Academy
At Summit Dental Academy, students tackle an intensive 11-month dental assisting diploma program blends rigorous coursework and clinical rotations for comprehensive preparation.
Format: Full-time, on-campus
Program Duration: 44 weeks
Enrollment Seasons: Winter, Summer
Class Size: 12 students
Through a balanced curriculum including 384 academic hours and 440 hands-on hours, graduates gain expertise across core areas of dental assisting and radiology. Summit‘s job placement coordinators connect students with over 50 externship site partners to facilitate hiring.
Estimated Total Cost: $13,495
Financial Aid: Loans and personalized payment plans
Certifications Awarded: RDA, Radiology Safety and Techniques, CPR, HIPAA, OSHA
Hands-on Training: 440 hours of clinical rotations
Faculty Experience: 7 years of professional dentistry practice average
Career Placement Rate: Over 85% secure full-time jobs within 6 months
For students seeking an intensive program elevating both knowledge and practical skills with a bridge to direct industry employment, Summit Dental Academy is an excellent choice.
4. Productive Dental Assisting
Catering to budget-conscious students, Productive Dental Assisting offers an affordable 8-week day program priced under $3,000. Students attend convenient morning or afternoon sessions tailored to accommodate existing work schedules.
Format: Part-time in-person, AM/PM schedule options
Program Duration: 8 weeks at 20 hours/week
Enrollment Seasons: Winter, Summer, Fall
Class Size: 8 students
The specialized curriculum allows graduates to sit for three key industry certification exams, with pass rates averaging above 85% for recent cohorts. Graduates receive job interview and resume preparation to aid their searches.
Estimated Total Cost: $2,999
Financial Aid: 0% financing plans
Certifications Awarded: RHS Radiology, Infection Control, CPR
Hands-on Training: 140+ hours
Faculty Experience: 15 years in private practice average
Career Placement Rate: Over 80% employed within 100 days
With its competitive pricing and scheduling flexibility, Productive Dental Assisting allows students to quickly gain dental assisting skills without overburdening their finances or daily commitments.
5. Practical Dental Assisting of Utah
Practical Dental Assisting of Utah operates two locations – Lindon and South Jordan – each offering evening 10-week programs making education accessible for busy or working students.
Format: Part-time evenings, in-person
Program Duration: 10 weeks at 15 hours/week
Enrollment Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall
Class Size: 6 students
Students master hands-on abilities using industry-leading equipment under the guidance of practicing registered dental assistant instructors. The program takes a holistic approach beyond technical skills to develop professionalism and communications abilities.
Estimated Total Cost: $3,295
Financial Aid: Personalized payment plans
Certifications Awarded: RDA Preparation, Radiology Safety
Hands-on Training: 150+ hours of labs and clinical work
Faculty Experience: 5 years of professional practice minimum
Career Placement Rate: Over 90% secure employment prior to graduating
With flexible scheduling, personalized support, and employment partnerships through the strong alumni network, Practical Dental Assisting of Utah empowers working professionals to transition into dental assisting roles.
Key Factors to Compare Across Training Programs
In addition to the program overviews provided above, prospective students should compare offerings across several key areas:
Program Duration
Entry-level courses range from 8 weeks for part-time options to 2 years for degree pathways. Evaluate time commitments based on your schedule and learning style needs.
Credential Levels
Certificate programs provide vocational training focused exclusively on dental assisting skills, while degree pathways award an Associate of Applied Science credential.
Schedule Flexibility
Programs offer full-time, part-time, evening, weekend and hybrid models to accommodate student needs. Consider your existing time constraints.
Hands-on Training
Practical clinic hours range from 80 – 500+ amongst reviewed programs. More hands-on hours mean greater preparation for on-the-job needs.
Class Sizes
Review student-instructor ratios, as smaller cohort sizes allow for more personalized skill development and career mentoring.
Cost Comparisons
Tuition spans from $2,500 up to $15,000. Carefully weigh program costs against career earnings potential and financing options available.
Job Placement Services
Programs offering direct employer partnerships, resume/interview services, and career counseling equip graduates for seamless industry entry.
Evaluating key variables in areas like format, cost, training focus, and graduate outcomes empowers students to align programs with their learning priorities to gain the strongest return on investment from their education.
Recent graduates express high satisfaction with abundant job options thanks to Utah‘s soaring oral healthcare industry growth. The latest labor statistics project Utah will lead the nation for employment increases in dental assisting over the next decade, with median pay 15% above national averages.
These favorable conditions make entering the field now via one of Salt Lake City‘s high caliber training providers an advantageous move for those seeking vocational stability.
Core Dental Assisting Responsibilities
Certified dental assistants fill a wide range of critical support roles within dental practices:
- Prepping treatment rooms between appointments
- Sterilizing instruments per sanitization protocols
- Assisting dentists chairside during procedures
- Taking impressions of teeth for models, orthodontics, implants
- Processing x-rays and CBCT scans
- Educating patients on oral hygiene and procedures
- Managing front office tasks like appointments, billing, insurance
Skilled assistants must master interpersonal, administrative, and clinical capabilities to fulfill these varied duties. Quality education covering technical dental knowledge plus communications and psychology sets graduates up to excel across required skill sets.
Utah‘s Exceptional Job Growth Outlook
The latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows Utah leading job gains nationally for dental assistants with 33% average growth by 2030 – significantly higher than the projected 9% national average. Opportunities will stem from population influx, growing insurance coverage, and increasing demand for cosmetic dentistry services.
Median annual salaries for experienced dental assistants in Utah approach $47,000 –15% higher than national figures. With most full-time roles also providing health/dental benefits, paid time off, retirement savings plans and bonuses, this essential healthcare career offers financial and personal fulfillment.
Certifications Expand Responsibilities and Earning Potential
While on-the-job training provides sufficient skills for entry-level assisting, those seeking additional responsibilities and higher salaries pursue professional credentials through exams like:
Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) – Administered by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB), the CDA covers three areas: general chairside assisting; radiation health and safety; and infection control.
Certified Orthodontic Assistant (COA) – This specialty certification signifies expertise in orthodontic procedures to qualify for roles in orthodontic practices.
Certified Preventative Functions Dental Assistant (CPFDA) – Students master techniques for preliminary oral health screenings and preventative care like fluoride and sealant application.
Certified Restorative Functions Dental Assistant (CRFDA) – Develop advanced competencies in restoration procedures like temporary crowns to expand your practice capabilities.
Earning these certifications requires passing knowledge-based exams plus demonstrating clinical skills competency. But the investment pays dividends – certified assistants earn $5000+ higher average salaries according to recent surveys.
Thanks to concentrated curriculum, abundant hands-on training, and direct career connections, graduating from one of Salt Lake City‘s exceptional dental assisting programs provides the launch point for a stable, well-compensated vocational career improving patients‘ oral and overall health.
By comparing program differences using key categories outlined above, students can discover the right fit for their learning priorities, lifestyle needs, and professional aspirations. Investing the time and effort now to pursue proper training will pay invaluable rewards through specialized roles in a high-demand medical field projected for decades of continued nationwide growth.