Dimmers are not themostats...discuss

[Raven01]

Dimmers can be useful if you are using heat lamps.
Price out reptile heat lamps and then check any farm supply store for their price on a 250W heat lamp.
Use the dimmer to dial down the output until your T-Stat stays in the on position and then bump it back up a hair and lock it down.
The filament in a 250W bulb is generally sturdier than in lower watt bulbs and, when run at a lower power output should have a significantly longer life.

So, dimmers can have a place in the hobby but, are by no means required.
While T-Stats are pretty much a basic requirement.

I'm hoping to find something that will act as a fail safe and cut off the power if it see's a certain temperature which would cut off my UTH and bulbs. I'm sure they have something I just haven't found it yet

You just perfectly described a thermostat.