Dental Assistant Schools in Alaska

Dental assistants are vital in any dental office because they can perform administrative tasks and help with minor laboratory procedures under the direction of a dentist. In Alaska, the demand for these professionals is expected to continue increasing over the next decade.

Naturally, those who desire a straightforward and enjoyable time launching their dental assistant careers in the state are expected to follow guidelines to fulfill educational and certification requirements.

The guide on this page analyzes all of these major requirements and provides additional helpful resources, such as a list of top training programs to consider.

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Alaska

Prospective dental assistants in Alaska may follow the outline below to begin their careers on the best path.

Step 1: High School Education & Other Prerequisites

A high school education is important for launching a career as a dental assistant in Alaska. Most training programs require a diploma or GED.

Furthermore, candidates will need to develop soft skills, such as interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.

Step 2: Attend a Training Program

Candidates typically attend a training program to build the technical proficiency needed to perform dental assistant duties at the highest level. Although no law mandates one specific kind of training over another, it is common for students to begin with a dental assistant program offered by community colleges and vocational institutions.

These programs last about one year and allow candidates to leave with a certificate. Those that last two years allow candidates to earn an associate degree.

It is also valuable to pursue an accredited training program, as this will help increase career opportunities.

Step 3: Certification, Employment, Career Advancement

Certification is important on the journey to becoming a dental assistant as it facilitates career opportunities. Candidates can seek employment after certification and then continue to improve their skills through continuing education and advanced degrees.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• How to become a freight broker in Alaska

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Licensing is not important for aspiring dental assistants in Alaska. Candidates can start working without worrying about a state body.

As mentioned earlier, certification is crucial to maintaining competitiveness and becoming appealing to potential employers. There are several choices for specific credentials to pursue.

The Dental Assisting National Board is the most prominent certifying agency for dental assistants all over the country, and they offer the following credentials:

• Certified Orthodontic Assistant credential,
• Certified Preventive Functions Dental Assistant credential,
• Certified Restorative Functions Dental Assistant credential and the
• Registered Dental Assistant credential.

Professionals seeking these credentials must be ready to pass a professional examination and continually maintain or renew their certified status.

Top Dental Assistant Schools in Alaska

The schools below offer top-tier training programs for dental assistants in Alaska.

Explore dental assistant schools in Alaska by city:

• Dental assistant schools in Anchorage

Salary & Career Outlook

The annual average salary of dental assistants in Alaska is $83,793, which is in line with the national average. This figure also pertains to the state’s median earners, but it can vary based on significant factors such as location, experience, credentials, and work environment.

For candidates in Alaska who are among the top earners, the annual average salary figure can get as high as $109,394. For those who are not yet among the median earners but are in the bottom 10%, the annual average salary to expect is around $64,184.

Focusing only on location, data shows that Wasilla is where professionals in this field take home the biggest yearly average. Those who work here can expect an annual average salary of $96,492.

Also prominent are places like JBER, with an annual average salary of $90,314; Cordova, with an annual average salary of $81,372; and Eagle River, with an annual average salary of $78,684.

Dental assistants in Anchorage earn around $76,498 on average at the end of the year.