How to become a Dental Assistant in Alaska
It is a great time to pursue a career as a dental assistant in Alaska (AK) given the strong jobs growth in the sector. There are currently 1,300 persons employed as dental assistants in Alaska and the Bureau for Labor Statistics has predicted that the number of dental assisting jobs in the USA will grow by a massive 19% between 2016 and 2026.
In order to become a dental assistant in the USA most states will require you to graduate from an accredited program and to pass additional state level or national certification exams. Find out more about becoming a Dental Assistant in Alaska below.
Top 1 Accredited Dental Assistant Schools in Alaska
| School | Area | Accrediting Body | Next Visit | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | University of Alaska | Anchorage | CODA | Request Info |
There is only 1 CODA accredited dental assistant school in Alaska – located in Anchorage. For more entry level and post secondary Dental Assisting options you can also view all DANB accredited programs.
Click on the ‘Request Information’ link for each school and enter your details to receive information on their dentistry programs and admissions data.
You can also view results for schools offering Dental Assisting programs in Alaska and surrounding states on the map below.
Alaska Dental Assistant License Requirements
Once you have graduated from an accredited program it is required by Alaska law that you obtain a license to work as a dental assistant there. The Board of Dental Examiners governs the licensing of dental assistants in Alaska. You can contact the Board directly using the contact details below:
Phone: (907) 465-2542
Website: https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/
Dental Assistant Salary in Alaska
| Average Salary | $45,900 |
| Hourly Wage | $22.07 |
| Top 10% of Earners | $61,760 |
| Bottom 10% of Earners | $31,940 |
| #'s Employed | 1,300 |
The average Dental Assistant salary in Alaska is $45,900 – 22% above the national average.
This represents an hourly wage of $22.07.
There is quite a significant range in salary in Alaska between the highest paid and lowest paid in the sector.
Alaskan Dental Assistant Employment and Salaries by Metro Area
There are currently 1,300 persons employed as dental assistants in the state.
The table below provides a breakdown of salaries and employment of dental assistants across the main towns, cities and non metro areas in Alaska. As can be seen Achorage fairs the best for employment and salary levels of dental assistants in the state.
| Area | Number Employed | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Anchorage, AK | 730 | $45,470.00 |
| Fairbanks, AK | 180 | $41,040.00 |
| Southeast Alaska nonmetropolitan area | 80 | $44,310.00 |
| Balance of Alaska nonmetropolitan area | 270 | $44,560.00 |
Related Healthcare Career Comparisons in Alaska
The table below provides a comparison between income and employment for dental assistants with related healthcare careers in Alaska;
| Career | Number Employed | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Dental Assistants | 1,260 | $44,560.00 |
| Dental Hygienists | 480 | $84,430.00 |
| Surgical Technologists | 180 | $52,930.00 |
| Veterinary Technologists and Technicians | 180 | $42,090.00 |
| Medical Assistants | 1,460 | $38,800.00 |
| Nursing Assistants | 1,770 | $37,300.00 |
| Pharmacy Technicians | 730 | $39,480.00 |
| Physician Assistants | 380 | $110,600.00 |