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Dental Assistant
Total cost: $120
6 sources cited · Last verified March 2026 · Every number on this page links to its official source
Dental Assistant (no credential for basic); Coronal Polishing Certificate; Restorative Functions Certificate
Credential
Not Required
DANB CDA
Not Required
Radiology Cert
Available
Expanded Functions
0 hrs
CE Hours
$120
Total Initial Fees
Formal Education & Training
VerifiedFormal Education
Not Required
Program Type
No formal program required for basic dental assisting; board-approved program of instruction required for coronal polishing certificate; CODA-accredited program or other equivalent course or program approved by the board for restorative functions certificate
CODA Accreditation Not Required
On-the-Job Training (OJT) Allowed
Program Length
Varies; no minimum for basic level; program-dependent for expanded functions
Minimum Education
No state-mandated minimum for basic dental assisting; age 18 for expanded functions
Many states allow dental assistants to enter the profession through on-the-job training (OJT), while others require completion of a CODA-accredited dental assisting program. Requirements vary significantly by state and credential level.
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DANB CDA, Radiology & State Exams
VerifiedNot Required
DANB CDA Certification
Not Required
Radiology Certification
DANB CDA Details
DANB CDA is not required by the state; however, DANB credentials may satisfy certain requirements for expanded function certifications
Radiology Certification Details
No separate state radiology certification required; dental assistants take radiographs under direct supervision of a dentist
CPR Certification Required
State-Specific Exam Required
WREB restorative examination required for restorative functions certificate (must be passed within 5 years preceding application); no state exam for basic dental assisting
The DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) credential is the nationally recognized standard, though not all states require it. Radiology certification is commonly required to take dental X-rays. CPR certification is required in most states.
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Allowable Expanded Duties
VerifiedAllowed
Coronal Polishing
Not Allowed
Sealant Application
Allowed
Fluoride Application
Allowed
Impressions
Allowed
Temporaries
Not Allowed
Nitrous Oxide Monitoring
Separate EFDA Certification Required for Expanded Functions
Expanded functions allow dental assistants to perform additional procedures beyond basic chairside duties. Some states require a separate Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA) credential, additional training, or specific coursework to perform these duties.
Supervision Requirements
VerifiedSupervision Levels
Direct supervision required for both basic and expanded (coronal polishing and restorative) functions
Direct Supervision Procedures
Coronal polishing (on teeth without calculus), restorative functions, all basic dental assisting procedures
Dental assistants work under varying levels of supervision depending on the procedure. Direct supervision means the dentist must be physically present and authorize the procedure. Indirect supervision means the dentist is on-site. General supervision means the dentist has authorized the procedures but need not be on the premises.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $60 |
Exam Fee | WREB restorative exam: varies; paid directly to WREB |
License Fee | $60 certificate issuance fee |
Renewal Fee | $60 |
Radiology Cert Fee | N/A - no separate state radiology certification |
Total Initial Fees Application fee $60 plus certificate issuance fee $60 for coronal polishing or restorative functions certificate; basic dental assisting has no fees | $120 |
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Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years (biennial, expires February 28 of odd-numbered years)
Renewal Period
0 hrs
CE Hours Required
Yes
CPR Renewal
Renewal Fee
$60
Regulatory Board
Dental assistant credentials must be renewed on schedule. Most states require continuing education covering infection control, radiology safety, and dental practice updates. CPR certification renewal is required in most jurisdictions.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
Endorsement Available
Yes
Portability Details
Alaska accepts out-of-state credentials for both coronal polishing and restorative function certifications. Applicants with legal authorization from another state may apply by credential.
Reciprocity Requirements
Dental assistant credential reciprocity varies by state. States with similar requirements may offer endorsement pathways, while others require a full application including verification of education, certification, and work experience.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Alaska with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Alaska's basic dental assisting is completely unregulated, but it offers a unique restorative functions certificate requiring the WREB exam - one of the few states allowing dental assistants to perform restorative procedures. Certificates renew biennially on February 28 of odd-numbered years.
Basic dental assisting in Alaska requires no license, registration, or certification.
Certification is only required for expanded functions: coronal polishing and restorative functions.
The coronal polishing certificate allows polishing on teeth without calculus under direct supervision of a licensed dentist.
The restorative functions certificate requires passing the WREB restorative examination within the 5 years preceding application.
Alaska accepts out-of-state credentials for both coronal polishing and restorative functions certifications.
Dental Assistant requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska (you) | $120 | 4–16 wks | |
| Washington | $90 | 4–16 wks | → |
| Hawaii | — | 4–16 wks | → |
See how Alaska compares: Dental Assistant License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Related Guides
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How does Alaska compare to other states for dental assistant? See the full comparison →
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Dental Assistant Schools in Alaska
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Study guides for the DANB CDA certification exam.
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Official Sources
Dental Assistant requirements in Alaska verified against Board of Dental Examiners, March 2026.
Moving to Alaska? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Dental Assistant license to Alaska →
Alaska has specific certification requirements for dental assistants. An on-the-job training pathway is available. All licensing is managed through the Board of Dental Examiners.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.