Want to know how to become a dental assistant in Alaska? Starting a dental assistant career in AK is a great way to find a job with steady benefits, strong wages, and long-term job growth. Alaska is one of the easiest states for new assistants since there are no state-wide requirements. That’s right, there’s no Alaska dental assistant exam, AK dental assistant requirements, or other red tape. Learn more about the Alaska dental assistant requirements to see if this job is a good fit for you.
The Benefits Of An Alaska Dental Career
Moms want to become a dental assistant in AK for lots of reasons. If you’re looking for a good work-life balance, competitive salary, and secure job options, becoming a dental assistant might be right for you.
- Job Growth: We’ll see around 11,000 new job openings for dental assistants across the nation between 2020 and 2030.
- Pay: Alabama dental assistants make a median wage of $50,640. To put that in context, the median household income in Alaska is $77,790. You can make a big impact on your family’s success by becoming a dental assistant! (A median salary is the middle of the road. Half of all dental assistants in AL make more than this. Half make less. Want more details? Click here for all the info on dental assistant pay.)
- Job conditions: Most dental assistants work in a dentist’s office. These are indoor jobs with regular schedules. Dental assistants don’t usually work nights or weekends. Many dental assistants also receive benefits like health insurance, sick time, vacation days, retirement savings, and more.
What Do Alaska Dental Assistants Do?
If you want to know how to become a dental assistant in Alaska, you’re probably curious about what the job takes. Dental assistance in AK can involve any of these tasks:
- Inspecting mouths
- Charting dental conditions
- Calling prescriptions to the pharmacy
- Applying fluoride
- Taking x-rays
- Sterilizing instruments
- Placing stainless steel crowns
- And more
Alaska Dental Assistant Requirements
How do you become a dental assistant in Alaska? The AK dental assistant requirements are very easy to meet. You can take the Alaska NACB exam for more certification but you don’t need to pass a state test to start working.
Dental assistants in Alaska can perform basic dental support work under the indirect supervision of a licensed dentist. This means that a dentist will diagnose patients, design treatment plans, and remain in the building while you work.
Alaska doesn’t require radiography certification for AK dental assistants. You can perform x-rays and other procedures in the dentist’s office without extra certification.
Dental assisting in Alaska is an entry-level job. You can get qualified in coronal polishing procedures and/or restorative functions for more advanced jobs.
How To Become A Dental Assistant In Alaska
There’s so need for professional licenses or exams to become a dental assistant in Alaska. Dental assisting has no barriers if you’re looking to start working ASAP.
Like in any field, you’ll be more attractive to employers with some training and education. Look for dental assistant programs at community colleges, four-year universities, trade schools, and more. These optional programs give you a good foundation that will get you ready for professional work. A quality dental assistant program covers using equipment, working with patients, understanding dental health, and more.
You can also earn NACB certification after finishing a training program. The state of Alaska doesn’t require this national credential, but it’s a great way to showcase your knowledge and skills. Click here to see how to become a dental assistant with training programs.
Alaska Dental Programs
University Of Alaska Anchorage
The University of Alaska Anchorage runs a dental assistant program through their Allied Health school. You can get certified as a dental assistant in a year. This program boasts that 100% of students find work as a dental assistant after graduating.
University Of Alaska Fairbanks Community & Technical College
The University of Alaska Fairbanks Community & Technical College offers two different dental assistant programs. You can earn a professional certificate in one year, or invest even further in yourself with a two-year Associate of Applied Sciences Degree.
Southcentral Foundation
The Southcentral Foundation’s Dental Assistant Training Program is a four-month session offered at the Alaska Native Health Campus in Anchorage. This program is a paid opportunity, making it a great option for many families.
Exploring Dental Assisting
You’ll find endless reasons to become a dental assistant in Alaska. AK dental assistants enjoy great benefits like steady schedules, indoor work, and stable jobs. It’s also simple to get started thanks to low career barriers. Are you ready to learn how to become a dental assistant in Alaska? Click here to explore everything you need to know about being a dental assistant.
References
Dental Assisting National Board. (2022). Alaska: Allowable and prohibited duties for dental assistants. https://danbsfprodassets.azureedge.net/assets/docs/default-source/clt/alaska.pdf?sfvrsn=634c965b_1
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2021, May). Dental assistants: Occupational employment and wages, May 2021. Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes319091.htm#st
United States Census Bureau. (n.d.) Alaska. QuickFacts. https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/AK/PST045221