Dental Assistant in Alaska
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for AK
How to Become a Dental Assistant in Alaska
In Alaska, basic dental assisting duties do not require a state license or certification. However, to perform expanded functions such as coronal polishing or restorative procedures, dental assistants must obtain a specific certificate from the Alaska Board of Dental Examiners. This involves completing a board-approved course and, for restorative functions, passing the Western Regional Examining Board (WREB) restorative function examination or an equivalent exam. The application process for these expanded functions includes a $120 fee and typically takes 4-6 weeks for processing, with biennial renewal required.
Dental Assistant Requirements in Alaska
| Detail | Alaska |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Alaska Board of Dental Examiners |
| State License Required | No |
| Education | No education mandated for basic duties. For coronal polishing, a board-approved course is required. For restorative functions, a CODA-accredited program or board-approved course is required. |
| Exam | For coronal polishing, no specific exam is listed beyond course completion. For restorative functions, the Western Regional Examining Board (WREB) restorative function examination or an equivalent board-approved exam is required. |
| Application Fee | $120 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Notes | Alaska does not license dental assistants for basic duties. However, to perform expanded functions like coronal polishing or restorative procedures, an assistant must obtain a certificate from the Alaska Board of Dental Examiners. CPR certification is required for restorative function and coronal polishing certificates. The minimum age is not specified, but a high school diploma or GED is generally expected for entry-level positions. |
Source: Alaska Board of Dental Examiners
Dental Assistant Salary in Alaska
The median dental assistant salary in Alaska is $55,950 per year, which is 18.3% above the national median of $47,300.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $38,650 |
| 25th | $46,490 |
| 50th (median) | $55,950 |
| 75th | $62,450 |
| 90th (experienced) | $67,250 |
Alaska employs approximately 1,080 dental assistants.
Dental Assistant Job Outlook
AI Impact on Dental Assistants
Low AI Exposure (Score: -0.53/1.00)
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
Is Becoming a Dental Assistant in Alaska Worth It?
Factors to consider: Alaska's cost of living, the lack of a state license requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.