Alaska Dental Assistant License
Alaska Board of Dental Examiners
Total Fee
$60
Processing Time
Not Applicable (No State License Required)
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
What You'll Need
- Proof of Training — Certificate from CODA-accredited program or documentation of on-the-job training hours.
- DANB Certification — Official CDA certification from the Dental Assisting National Board, if applicable.
- Radiography Certification — Proof of radiography competency/certification required for taking x-rays.
- Fingerprint background check — through IdentoGO (IDEMIA)
- Application fee — $60
How to Apply
-
Understand Alaska's Dental Regulations ▾Familiarize yourself with the Alaska Dental Practice Act (AS 08.36 and 12 AAC 28), which outlines the scope of practice for dentists and the duties they may legally delegate to dental assistants. No state license is required for dental assistants in Alaska.
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Seek Employment with a Licensed Alaska Dentist ▾Dental assistants in Alaska operate under the direct supervision and delegation of a licensed Alaska dentist. Employment is secured directly with dental practices, not through state licensing.
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Receive On-the-Job Training ▾Alaska does not mandate specific education or training requirements for dental assistants. Training for delegated procedures is typically provided on-the-job by the supervising dentist, consistent with state regulations.
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Adhere to Delegated Duties ▾Ensure that any procedures performed are within the scope of duties legally delegable by the supervising dentist, as defined by the Alaska Dental Practice Act and regulations enforced by the Alaska Board of Dental Examiners.
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Consider Voluntary National Certification ▾Although not state-mandated, dental assistants may pursue national certification through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) for professional development and to demonstrate competency. This is an optional credential.
Total Fee
$60
Processing Time
Not Applicable (No State License Required)
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Contact the Alaska Board of Dental Examiners for current transfer requirements.
Steps
-
Submit Your Application ▾Apply through the Alaska Board of Dental Examiners. The application fee is $60.
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Provide License Verification ▾Alaska requires official verification of your active out-of-state license. This must be sent directly to the board from your current state board or its official online verification system before your file can be considered complete.
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Provide Proof of Training ▾Certificate from CODA-accredited program or documentation of on-the-job training hours.
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Provide DANB Certification ▾Official CDA certification from the Dental Assisting National Board, if applicable.
-
Provide Radiography Certification ▾Proof of radiography competency/certification required for taking x-rays.
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Complete Fingerprinting and Background Screening ▾Alaska requires a criminal background check for all applicants. Out-of-state applicants can use IdentoGO Out-of-State Live Scan OR FD-258 hard card via mail. Completing prints outside Alaska can add 2-4 weeks to your processing time.
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Await Board Processing ▾Plan for a processing timeline of about Not Applicable (No State License Required) once your file is complete. If you need to start working immediately, most states do not offer temporary practice authorization during the endorsement process. Contact the state board directly for current policies on practice authorization while your application is pending.
Total Fee
Contact board
Renewal Cycle
Not Applicable (No State License Required)
Compact
No
Board
Alaska Board of Dental Examiners
Keeping Your License Active
Alaska Dental Assistant licenses renew Not Applicable (No State License Required). Contact the Alaska Board of Dental Examiners for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $60 |
| Endorsement application | $60 |
Slow Downs
Fingerprinting delays
▾
Out-of-state prints can add 2-4 weeks to your timeline.
Missing or incomplete documents
▾
Have all your documents ready before starting the application to avoid processing delays.
Application errors
▾
Double-check that your name matches across all documents exactly. Mismatches are a common reason for delays.
Alaska-specific note
▾
Alaska may require verification of specific expanded functions training, and documentation from out-of-state programs is often delayed.
Questions
Does Alaska require a dental assistant license?
▾
Yes, Alaska requires Dental Assistant with Restorative Functions through the state board.
Is DANB certification recognized in Alaska?
▾
Yes, DANB CDA certification is recognized and often preferred by employers in Alaska.
Can I take dental x-rays in Alaska?
▾
Yes, but a radiography permit or certification is required.
How much does it cost to become a dental assistant in Alaska?
▾
State application fees are $60. Additional costs may include DANB CDA exam ($450), radiography certification, and background check fees.
Board Info
Sources