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How to Become a Dental Assistant in Alaska, US

Dental assistants perform various functions and can progress to other roles with the proper training and experience. There are no particular educational or certificate requirements to begin work as a dental assistant in Alaska.

However, you will find yourself restricted in the duties that you are allowed to perform. Becoming certified as a dental assistant will make you a more desirable candidate and undoubtedly give you an edge when seeking employment.

Although a dental assistant is considered an entry-level position, it is a stable and rewarding one that can lead to many exciting choices down the road.

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Duties of Dental Assistants

A dental assistant in Alaska will have the chance to work in many areas around the office. Those duties may include:

  • Receiving and preparing patients for treatments
  • Preparation and maintenance of dental tools
  • Administrative duties
  • Operation of dental x-ray equipment
  • Educating patients regarding oral healthcare and hygiene
  • Application of sealant and fluoride
  • Performing safety and infection control procedures

Studying in Alaska

There are currently two Universities in Alaska that offer Dental Assistant programs. It is your choice whether you pursue accreditation. There are no requirements to attend post-secondary schooling or obtain a certificate. Still, it can go a long way to increasing your likelihood of finding gainful employment. You will also have the option of furthering your education and expanding your career if you choose to become accredited as a dental assistant.

If you would like to become certified, you should know that out of the two universities in Alaska, only the University of Alaska Anchorage offers a program that has been approved by the Commission on Dental Assisting (CODA). A CODA-approved program is required to apply for certification.

University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK

  • A four-year program accredited by the American Dental Association is offered at this large public University. If you wish to achieve accreditation, this is the program for you.

University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK

  • Two dental assistant programs are offered at this University, a basic certificate program and an associate’s program that adds anatomy, physiology, nutrition, and pharmacology.

For those interested in studying from home, Penn Foster Career School has an online program so that you can learn at your own pace or avoid a long commute.

A student who chooses a CODA-accredited program can expect to learn the following:

  • Front office procedures, dental insurance
  • General safety and disease transmission
  • Dental anatomy and terminology
  • Oral anatomy and pathology
  • Chairside assisting, charting and classification
  • Periodontics, Endodontics
  • Pediatric dentistry
  • Radiology
  • Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
  • Dental emergencies
  • Orthodontics and restorative dental procedures

Education and Certification Requirements for Specific Expanded Functions

The American Dental Association (ADA) recognizes nine expanded functions for dental assistants, which are as follows: Coronal Polishing – the removal of plaque and stains from the visible surfaces of teeth.

Sealants – the application of a clear or white plastic material to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to prevent cavities.

Fluoride Treatment – the application of a fluoride varnish or gel to the teeth to help prevent cavities.

Taking Impressions – the creation of a dental mold used to make crowns, bridges, and other dental appliances.

Taking Radiographs (X-Rays) – the use of special dental X-Ray equipment to take pictures of teeth, bones, and soft tissues.

Placement and Removal of Temporary Anesthetics – the use of a needle to numb an area of the mouth.

Placement and Removal of Rubber Dam – a thin sheet of rubber placed around a tooth to isolate it from the rest of the mouth during certain dental procedures.

Administering Nitrous Oxide – the use of laughing gas to help relax patients during dental procedures.

Getting Certified

To be considered eligible for certification, you must have graduated from a CODA-approved program or completed high school with no less than 3,500 hours of relevant work experience. If determined eligible, you must complete the three-part Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) examination through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). The three components are as follows:

  • General Chairside Assisting (GC)
  • Infection Control (ICE)
  • Radiation Health and Safety (RHS)

These sections can be completed one at a time or all at once. Examinations are taken through Pearson VUE Testing Centres, of which there are 13 locations throughout Alaska.

Certification must be renewed yearly, and applicants must complete 30 credits of continuing education in the following areas:

  • Dental Office Management
  • Clinical Practice
  • Volunteer service or scholarly activity
  • DANB and other related exams

One of the easiest ways to obtain these credits is through the DALE foundation which is an affiliate of DANB.

Dental Assisting National Board (DANB)

The DANB is the organization that provides certification for dental assistants in the United States. In order to be eligible for certification, applicants must have graduated from a CODA-accredited program or completed high school with no less than 3,500 hours of relevant work experience. If determined eligible, applicants must complete the three-part Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) examination, which consists of the General Chairside Assisting (GC), Infection Control (ICE), and Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) sections. Certification must be renewed yearly, and applicants must complete 30 credits of continuing education in the following areas: Dental Office Management, Clinical Practice, Volunteer service or scholarly activity, DANB and other related exams. One of the easiest ways to obtain these credits is through the DALE foundation, which is an affiliate of DANB.

Further Studies

Becoming a dental assistant is not only a stable career; it is a great starting point for building a new career in more advanced aspects of dentistry.

Beyond the basic duties of a dental assistant, employees that are interested in getting more hands-on experience with their patients may wish to learn coronal polishing. In order to do so, you must become certified by completing a program approved by the Alaska Board of Dental Examiners, submit a notarized copy of the said certificate and pay a $100 application and certificate fee.

With further schooling, many dental assistants go on to become dental hygienists allowing them to become even more involved in a patient’s care.

Career Outlook and Salary Expectations For Dental Assistants

The outlook for dental assistants in Alaska is highly positive. According to the Alaska Department of Labour and Workforce Development, in 2021, there were 1,210 dental assistants practicing in the state. By 2028, that number is expected to rise by 9 percent. Expected earnings for dental assistants in Alaska are higher than most other states in the U.S, making on average between $46,000 and $50,000 per year, a very respectable salary for an entry-level position.

For more information on becoming a dental assistant in Alaska, consider taking a look at The Alaska Dental Society and the American Dental Assistants Association.

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