As a dental hygiene major, you will complete practicum experiences using the most current technology in the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Dental Clinic!
dental hygiene
Dental hygienists are licensed oral health educators and clinical operators who, as part of the dental team, use preventive, educational, and therapeutic methods which aid individuals and groups to attain and maintain optimum oral health. Dental hygienists can work as clinicians, educators, researchers, administrators, managers, preventive program developers, consumer advocates, sales and marketing managers, editors, and consultants. Clinical dental hygienists may work in a variety of health care settings such as private dental offices, schools, public health clinics, hospitals, managed care organizations, correctional institutions, or nursing homes.
The ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Dental Hygiene program requires the completion of a 120 credit Bachelor of Science degree. The admittance process is competitive due to a limited number of positions available for each class. This degree program prepares students to sit for the National Dental Hygiene Examination and the CDCA/WREB/CITA Dental Hygiene Examinations to be licensed dental hygienists.
*The Dental Hygiene program is designed to meet the educational requirements for professional licensure or certification in Alaska. However, the program might not meet the educational requirements for other states' professional licensure or certification. Please see ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½â€™s Licensure and Certificate website for more information.
WHY CHOOSE dental hygiene AT ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½?
The ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Dental Hygiene program boasts a 100 percent first-attempt pass rate on the dental hygiene national board exams.
The average hourly wage for dental hygienists in Alaska is $55 ().
Learn from dedicated, student-centered faculty and instructors committed to your future.
The only Dental Hygiene program available in the state of Alaska.
NEWS & Stories
Ambra McMillian is an Assistant Professor of Dental Hygiene in the School of Therapeutic Sciences, where she combines her passion for the field with the fulfillment of guiding students as they learn and grow.
At the fifth annual Cares for Kids event, dental hygiene students provided free dental care to children ages 3-17 while also gaining valuable hands-on experience.
Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene student Adrianna Doty is dedicated to improving the patient experience by easing dental anxiety and building confidence.
Former ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Dental Hygiene program adjunct faculty member Col. Julie M. Robinson is recognized for her dedication to the dental profession.
Carri Shamburger is the Program Director for the Dental Hygiene Program at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ and recently earned her Ph.D. in Psychology with a focus on Cognition and Learning, strengthening her commitment to advancing education and student success.
Welcome to the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Dental Hygiene Program! Dental hygiene is a dynamic and rewarding profession that combines science, healthcare, education, and service. Dental hygienists play a vital role in promoting oral health, preventing disease, and improving the overall well-being of individuals and communities. At ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½, we are committed to preparing competent, compassionate, and ethical oral healthcare professionals through a comprehensive curriculum that integrates classroom learning, clinical practice, and community engagement. Our students develop the knowledge, critical thinking skills, and hands-on experience needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving healthcare environment. A career in dental hygiene offers diverse opportunities in clinical practice, education, public health, research, administration, and community outreach. Many dental hygienists also participate in volunteer and humanitarian efforts, providing much-needed oral healthcare services to underserved populations both locally and around the world. We invite you to explore our website to learn more about our program, admission requirements, curriculum, and student experiences. If you have questions or would like additional information, we encourage you to contact us. We look forward to helping you discover whether a career in dental hygiene is the right fit for you.
- Carri Shamburger, PhD, MS, RDH
PROGRAM INFORMATION
Contact Us
Phone: (907) 786-4346
Email: uaa_dentalprograms@alaska.edu
ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ School of Allied Health
Allied Health Sciences Building
3500 Seawolf Drive, AHS 148
Anchorage, Alaska 99508
Mailing Address
ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Dental Hygiene Program
3211 Providence Drive, AHS 148
Anchorage, Alaska 99508
