Dental Assistant Opportunities In Alaska

Answer 1

Dental assistant job opportunities in Alaska are expected to increase over the next decade. The population of the state is growing and as a result new dental clinics are opening up. Those interested in entering the field of dental assistance work can improve their chances of being hired if a training program is completed. Candidates with training in the areas of radiology and oral hygiene will satisfy state requirements for expanded job duties.

A Second Pair Of Hands

A dental assistant works closely with the dentist while oral examinations, teeth cleaning and x-rays are being conducted. He or she must be familiar with not only the various instruments and their use but also how to sanitize and prepare them. Keeping patients' mouths dry and clear of saliva, applying topical anesthetics and making casts of the teeth are some of the more common duties of the dental assistant.

A dental hygienist must be licensed to perform certain duties. Unlike a dental assistant the dental hygienist has been trained to provide general oral care for patients. This includes removal of foreign material, the administering of local anesthetics, taking root measurements and operating x-ray equipment.

Training Programs For Alaska Dental Assistants

Alaska does not require a license for general dental assistance work. However applicants seeking this position will have a better chance of becoming employed if a college education involving Biology, math and health science has been completed. The Certified Dental Assistant Credential may be acquired by completing a CODA-accredited dental education program or by having been employed as an entry level dental assistant for more than two years. Opportunities for advancement in this field are limited unless formal training is completed at some point. In Alaska the duties of a dental assistant may require training while on the job, however a good number of programs exist allowing the assistant to continue working while taking classes.

Salaries For Dental Assistants And Dental Hygienists

Entry level salaries for Alaska dental assistants will average about $33,000 per year. This figure increases steadily if the individual shows competency in the field. Licensed assistants may find jobs paying in excess of $35,000 as a starting salary. A dental hygienist will have opportunities for well-paying jobs if the licensing process has been completed. The average starting salary for these individuals is above $60,000. A dental hygienist license is good only for the state in which it was issued. Those considering certification in Alaska should carefully examine the expected number of job openings because competition for these positions can be quite fierce.