Dental Hygienist in Alaska
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for AK. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Alaska.
Jobs (AK)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
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
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 |
| Reciprocity | Alaska offers licensure by credentials for those licensed in another state, with specific requirements.Reciprocal states: Alaska offers licensure by credentials for applicants who have been licensed in another state for more than 5 years, or for 90 days to 5 years (Examination Level II). Specific requirements apply, including verification of licensure from other jurisdictions and a jurisprudence exam. |
| 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
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Alaska? See whether Alaska recognizes an out-of-state credential — with the tier and pathway for all 50 states — in our Dental Hygienist license reciprocity guide.
work_outline Job outlook
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circleAlaska license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+7.0%)
Compare Dental Hygienist head-to-head
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