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Being a dental hygienist in Alaska means the individual entered an in-demand profession.
These licensed professionals can inspect the oral cavity, clean teeth, and provide other related services.
There are a few steps anyone can complete to obtain a license as a dental hygienist, detailed below.
Article Table of Contents
Complete a Training Program
The first step towards your new career starts with a CODA-accredited training program.
The Board of Dental Examiners in Alaska requires individuals to earn at east an Associates’ degree, though a Bachelors’s degree offers more career possibilities.
The former degree is earned after 2 years of study and the latter one after 4 years of formal education.
The classes for the Associate’s degree will cover topics from:
- Science,
- General education,
- Dental hygiene
The dental hygiene area has topics such as:
- Head and neck anatomy
- Dental anesthesia
- Periodontics
- Pharmacology
- Oral pathology
- Dental radiography
- Dental materials
Holding a CPR certification is mandatory for a dental hygiene training program.
The program will have to include laboratory and clinical activities as well.
Up-to-date vaccines are also mandatory for these professionals, even while completing their education.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| University of Alaska | 3211 Providence Drive, Anchorage, Alaska 99508 |
| University of Alaska | 505 South Chandalar Drive, Fairbanks, Alaska 99775-7500 |
Pass the Exams
There are 2 exams candidates need to pass in order to receive their license.
National Dental Exam
The National Dental Exam is a written one.
It is offered through the American Dental Association Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations.
To take it, individuals need to apply through the Department of Testing Services of the American Dental Association.
WREB Exam
The exam of the Western Regional Examining Board, or WREB, can only be taken after passing the NDE.
The Western Regional Examining Board has more information related to this exam, including dates and locations.
License Application Process
The process of obtaining the license starts with a Board interview.
Once this step is completed, candidates can then fill out an application that will ave to be notarized.
Candidates will have to pay $100 for the credential review and $120 for the license review.
These fees must be made payable to the State of Alaska.
The next step is for the candidates to contact the Professional Background Information Services (PBIS) for a credentials review (Level III).
This review lasts for about 2 months and applications are processed in the order they arrive.
Replies are sent in written-form right after the applications ave been reviewed.
Individuals can also request a Permit to Administer Local Anesthetic Agents in this application.
Request a Restorative Function License
This is an endorsement that allows dental hygienist professionals to place restorations into a cavity prepared by the licensed dentist.
They can also carve and adjust contacts and the occlusion of the restoration.
This license can be obtained by providing proof of:
- Completing a CODA or Board accredited course
- Passing the WREB’s restorative exam
- Filling out and notarizing an application
- Paying the application fee -$50
- Paying the endorsement fee -$50
- Completing the Course Verification form – needs the seal of the college/university
- WREB certificate – copy
- Course description or outline from the university/college where the training was completed
Expected Salary
In Alaska, the median salary of a dental hygienist is higher than the national average for this profession.
Of course, aspects like having extra endorsements and experience will influence how much the individual earns.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Anchorage | $83,232 |
| Juneau | $82,418 |
| Fairbanks | $83,083 |
| Wasilla | $82,111 |
| Sitka | $81,296 |
| Ketchikan | $81,296 |
| Kenai | $82,111 |
| Palmer | $82,111 |
| Bethel | $82,111 |
| Kodiak | $82,111 |
Regional Salary in Alaska
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anchorage, AK | 350 | $114,920 | $55.25 | $128,630 | $106,420 |
| Fairbanks, AK | 60 | $113,740 | $54.68 | $127,000 | $104,630 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
License Renewal
Dental hygienists in Alaska have to renew their license every 2 years.
This can be done after completing 20 hours of continuing education.
These classes can be completed at home.
The Alaska State Dental Hygienists Association and the Alaska Dental Society can provide more information on this subject.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Dental Hygienist
Dental Hygiene by State