Dental Hygienist in Alaska: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Alaska employs 790 dental hygienists, with a statewide median of $132,690 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Alaska licensing picture, and where to train.
What Dental hygienists Earn in Alaska (May 2025)
- Alaska median pay
- $132,690 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $60,590
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $136,450
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $138,840
- Employed in Alaska
- 790
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $94,260 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for dental hygienists in major Alaska markets:
- Anchorage
- $132,740 (490 employed)
- Fairbanks
- $131,860 (70 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 $132,690 median is worth closer to $129,580 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Alaska (2024–2034)
Alaska is projected to grow dental hygienists employment +9.1%, faster than the +7.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 40 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Alaska License and Certification Requirements
Dental Hygienist license — regulated by the Alaska Board of Dental Examiners (DCCED).
- Complete a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program (associate degree, ~2–3 years).
- Pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam and a clinical exam.
- Apply to the Alaska Board of Dental Examiners; renew with continuing education.
Official requirements: Alaska Board of Dental Examiners (DCCED) →
Training in Alaska
One of the best-paid 2-year healthcare paths, and pay runs high in Alaska. Seats are competitive — plan prerequisites early.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Alaska include:
- University of Alaska Anchorage — Associate / Bachelor's
- University of Alaska Fairbanks — Associate
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: Detail-oriented people who can handle close patient interaction.
Think twice if: Repetitive posture, mouth care, or tight clinical schedules would wear you down.
Why it's resilient: Dental hygiene depends on licensed in-person care, manual precision, patient trust, and preventive health counseling.
First Steps
Review state licensing rules and nearby accredited dental hygiene programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dental hygienists make in Alaska?
The median wage for dental hygienists in Alaska is $132,690 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $60,590, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $138,840. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Dental Hygienist in Alaska?
Dental Hygienist license, overseen by the Alaska Board of Dental Examiners (DCCED). Complete a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program (associate degree, ~2–3 years).
Is being a Dental Hygienist a good career in Alaska?
Dental hygiene depends on licensed in-person care, manual precision, patient trust, and preventive health counseling.
Which Alaska metros pay dental hygienists the most?
Among Alaska metro areas, Anchorage leads at $132,740, followed by Fairbanks ($131,860). 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 Hygienist in Alaska?
Real Alaska options include University of Alaska Anchorage, University of Alaska Fairbanks. Most dental hygienists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Dental Hygienist a growing career in Alaska?
Alaska projects dental hygienists employment to change +9.1% from 2024 to 2034, with about 40 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 29-1292. 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.