Dental Assistant in Alaska: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Alaska employs 1,140 dental assistants, with a statewide median of $57,710 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Alaska licensing picture, and where to train.
What Dental assistants Earn in Alaska (May 2025)
- Alaska median pay
- $57,710 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $40,300
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $61,370
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $62,780
- Employed in Alaska
- 1,140
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $43,610 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for dental assistants in major Alaska markets:
- Anchorage
- $57,710 (640 employed)
- Fairbanks
- $56,810 (140 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Alaska
Prices in Alaska run about 2% above the national average (cost-of-living index 102.4 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $57,710 median is worth closer to $56,357 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Alaska (2024–2034)
Alaska is projected to grow dental assistants employment +9.4%, faster than the +6.4% projected nationally. The state expects about 170 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Alaska License and Certification Requirements
No general license; radiography/expanded functions per Board rules — regulated by the Alaska Board of Dental Examiners (DCCED).
- You can start as a basic dental assistant in Alaska without a license.
- Complete required training to take dental X-rays.
- For expanded functions, follow the Alaska Board of Dental Examiners' requirements.
Official requirements: Alaska Board of Dental Examiners (DCCED) →
Training in Alaska
Fast entry; adding radiography and expanded-functions credentials quickly raises your value and pay. Many learn on the job, then certify.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Alaska include:
- Charter College — Certificate
- University of Alaska Anchorage — Certificate / Associate
- University of Alaska Fairbanks — Certificate / Associate
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who want a fast entry into healthcare and enjoy working closely with patients in a clinical environment.
Think twice if: Sitting in a dental operatory all day, exposure to dental materials, or a pay ceiling that's hard to break through sounds limiting.
Why it's resilient: Dental assisting involves chairside patient care, instrument handling, and real-time clinical support that requires physical presence in the operatory.
First Steps
Check whether your state requires a formal program or allows on-the-job training — requirements vary significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dental assistants make in Alaska?
The median wage for dental assistants in Alaska is $57,710 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $40,300, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $62,780. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Dental Assistant in Alaska?
No general license; radiography/expanded functions per Board rules, overseen by the Alaska Board of Dental Examiners (DCCED). You can start as a basic dental assistant in Alaska without a license.
Is being a Dental Assistant a good career in Alaska?
Dental assisting involves chairside patient care, instrument handling, and real-time clinical support that requires physical presence in the operatory.
Which Alaska metros pay dental assistants the most?
Among Alaska metro areas, Anchorage leads at $57,710, followed by Fairbanks ($56,810). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become a Dental Assistant in Alaska?
Real Alaska options include Charter College, University of Alaska Anchorage, University of Alaska Fairbanks. Most dental assistants start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Dental Assistant a growing career in Alaska?
Alaska projects dental assistants employment to change +9.4% from 2024 to 2034, with about 170 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Alaska statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-9091. Licensing summary compiled from the Alaska Board of Dental Examiners (DCCED) (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Alaska wages · Alaska licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.