Dental Hygienist in Alaska

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for AK. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$129,760

trending_up +37.7% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Alaska.

engineering

770

Jobs (AK)

monitoring Strong

+7.0%

10-yr job growth

payments

$765

Licensing fees

schedule

2 years (education) + 4-6 weeks (application processing)

Time to complete

route How to become a dental hygienist in Alaska

To become a licensed Dental Hygienist in Alaska, applicants must graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program and pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and a regional clinical exam (WREB or equivalent). Additionally, candidates must pass an Alaska jurisprudence exam and submit a comprehensive application with a fee of $300. The license must be renewed every two years, requiring 20 hours of continuing education and current CPR certification. Alaska also offers licensure by credentials for experienced dental hygienists from other states, and separate certifications are required for local anesthesia and nitrous oxide administration.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $58,340

25th percentile $112,470

50th (median) $129,760

75th percentile $132,320

90th (experienced) $135,400

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Alaska. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Alaska requirements

Licensing body	Alaska Board of Dental Examiners
State license	Required
Education	Associate degree in Dental Hygiene from a CODA-accredited program
Exam	National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and a regional clinical exam (WREB, CRDTS, SRTA, CITA, ADEX) ($465)
Application fee	$300
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	20.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Requires passing a state jurisprudence exam with a score of at least 70%. Minimum age of 18. A clean background check is mandatory. CPR certification is required for renewal. Local anesthesia and nitrous oxide administration require separate certification and application. Advanced practice permits require a minimum of 4,000 hours of clinical experience.

Source: Alaska Board of Dental Examiners

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+7.0%

Faster than average

Annual openings

15,300

Nationwide per year

Total employment

221,600

Nationwide

balance Is it worth it?

check_circleAlaska license required — clearer credential signal to employers
check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+7.0%)

psychology

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Frequently asked questions

How do I become a dental hygienist in Alaska? expand_more

To become a dental hygienist in Alaska, you need to complete the required education (Associate degree in Dental Hygiene from a CODA-accredited program), pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and a regional clinical exam (WREB, CRDTS, SRTA, CITA, ADEX), and submit your application ($300 fee).

Is a dental hygienist license required in Alaska? expand_more

You cannot practice as a dental hygienist in Alaska without a state license from Alaska Board of Dental Examiners. The required exam is the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and a regional clinical exam (WREB, CRDTS, SRTA, CITA, ADEX).

What do dental hygienists earn in Alaska? expand_more

dental hygienists in Alaska earn a median of $129,760 annually. That's 38% above the national median of $94,260. New dental hygienists start around $58,340; seasoned professionals can reach $135,400.

How much does it cost to become a dental hygienist in Alaska? expand_more

The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($465) and application fee ($300) and required training.

How quickly can I become a dental hygienist in Alaska? expand_more

In Alaska, becoming a dental hygienist generally takes 2 years (education) + 4-6 weeks (application processing), accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

What's required to renew a dental hygienist license in Alaska? expand_more

License renewal in Alaska requires completing 20.0 hours of continuing education on a 2.0-year cycle.