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Dental Hygienist
Total cost: $300+
Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
Successful completion of an academic program in dental hygiene of at least two years in duration that, at the time of graduation, is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association
Degree Required
Required
NBDHE
Required
Clinical Exam
$300+
Total Initial Fees
20 hrs
CE Hours
Allowed
Local Anesthesia
Successful completion of an academic program in dental hygiene of at least two years in duration that, at the time of graduation, is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association Program must be CODA (Commission on Dental Accreditation) accredited. Program length: At least 2 years.
Pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). Format: 350 multiple-choice questions, computer-based. Passing score: 75.
Pass a clinical board examination. Alaska accepts: WREB, CRDTS.
Pass the Alaska dental jurisprudence exam. Alaska Jurisprudence Examination. Passing score: 70 percent.
Obtain current CPR/BLS certification, pass a criminal background check, Local Anesthetic Agents Certificate (optional), Nitrous Oxide Certification (optional), Restorative Function Endorsement (optional), Advanced Practice Permit (optional, requires 4,000 clinical hours).
Submit your application to the Alaska Board of Dental Examiners. Application fee: $100.00 (nonrefundable). License fee: $200.00. Total initial fees: $300+.
Renew your license every Biennial (every 2 years). 20 CE hours required. Renewal fee: $200.
CE Hours Required
20 hours
Per biennial (every 2 years) renewal cycle
Renewal Cycle
Biennial (every 2 years)
Required CE Topics
3 topic areas
All 20 hours may be completed by home study, Must maintain current CPR certification, CPR certification must be maintained
Renewal Fee
$200
Degree Required
CODA-Accredited Program Required
Program Details
At least 2 years
Program Length
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Required
NBDHE (National Board)
Required
Clinical Exam
Required
Jurisprudence Exam
National Board Exam (NBDHE)
VerifiedExam Name
National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE)
Passing Score
75%
Exam Format
350 multiple-choice questions, computer-based
Clinical Exam
VerifiedAccepted Clinical Exams
Jurisprudence Exam
VerifiedExam Name
Alaska Jurisprudence Examination
Passing Score
70 percent%
Overall licensing difficulty: 12/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
NBDHE (National Board Dental Hygiene Exam)
Browse study guides
Dental Hygiene Exam Prep Books
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
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Study guides and practice tests for the NBDHE licensing exam.
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Official Title
Licensed Dental Hygienist
Requirements
CODA-accredited degree, NBDHE, WREB or CRDTS clinical exam, jurisprudence exam
Supervision
General supervision
Additional Requirements
Official Title
Advanced Practice Permit / Restorative Function Endorsement
Requirements
4,000 hours of clinical experience, board approval, additional training
Supervision
Can practice without direct supervision of a dentist under advanced practice permit
Additional Requirements
Permitted Procedures
VerifiedAllowed
Local Anesthesia
Allowed
Nitrous Oxide
Allowed
Restorative Duties
Not Allowed
Laser Use
Notes
Licensed dental hygienists may perform: oral health promotion and disease prevention education, removal of deposits and stains, application of topical preventive agents including fluoride varnishes and sealants, polishing and smoothing restorations, removal of marginal overhangs, preliminary charting and triage, radiographs, use of local periodontal therapeutic agents, and nonsurgical periodontal therapy with or without local anesthesia subsequent to a licensed dentist's authorization or diagnosis.
Permitted Supervision Arrangements
VerifiedGeneral Supervision
Dentist authorizes procedures but need not be present
Direct Supervision
Dentist must be present in the facility
Indirect Supervision
Dentist has authorized procedures and is available
Unsupervised Practice
Hygienist can practice independently without a dentist
Notes
Standard practice is under general supervision. Advanced Practice Permit holders with 4,000 hours of clinical experience can practice without direct supervision. Local anesthesia may be provided under general supervision as part of approved treatment plans. Alaska is a direct access state through the Advanced Practice Permit.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Initial license application | $100.00 (nonrefundable) |
License Fee Initial biennial license period | $200.00 |
Renewal Fee Biennial renewal | $200 |
Total Initial Fees $100 application + $200 license; additional permits extra | $300+ |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
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Renewal & CE Requirements
VerifiedBiennial (every 2 years)
Renewal Period
20 hrs
CE Hours Required
CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$200
Biennial renewal
Regulatory Board
Dental hygienist licenses must be renewed on schedule. Most states require continuing education covering infection control, CPR/BLS, ethics, and clinical topics relevant to dental hygiene practice.
For a deeper dive into CE requirements and deadlines, see our dental hygienist license renewal guide.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
Reciprocity Type
Licensure by Credentials
Transfer Details
Applicants must hold a current valid license in another state, have passed NBDHE and a regional clinical exam approved by the board. Must pass Alaska Jurisprudence Examination with at least 70%.
Additional Requirements for Transfer
Dental hygienist license reciprocity varies by state. Many states offer licensure by credentials or endorsement for hygienists with active licenses in other states, though additional exams or documentation may be required.
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.
CPR/BLS Certification Required
Background Check Required
Local Anesthetic Agents Certificate (optional)
Nitrous Oxide Certification (optional)
Restorative Function Endorsement (optional)
Advanced Practice Permit (optional, requires 4,000 clinical hours)
Alaska offers one of the most expansive scopes of practice through its Advanced Practice Permit (4,000 clinical hours required), allowing dental hygienists to practice without direct dentist supervision. The state also offers a Restorative Function Endorsement allowing hygienists to place and carve amalgam and composite restorations - a duty not permitted in most states. Alaska is notably strict about CPR certification requiring hands-on training (no online-only courses accepted).
Alaska is a direct access state through the Advanced Practice Permit, which requires 4,000 hours of clinical experience.
The Advanced Practice Permit allows dental hygienists to practice without direct supervision of a dentist.
Restorative function endorsement allows placement and carving of amalgam and composite restorations.
CPR certification must include hands-on component - online-only courses are NOT acceptable.
Board comprises six dentists, two dental hygienists, and one public member.
Dental Hygienist requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska (you) | $300+ | 112–226 wks | |
| Washington | $100+ | 112–226 wks | → |
| Hawaii | $120-$188 | 112–226 wks | → |
Other professional licenses in Alaska
See how Alaska compares: Dental Hygienist License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
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Dental Hygienist licensing requirements nationwide →
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Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Alaska.
Dental Hygienist Schools in Alaska
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Moving to Alaska? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Dental Hygienist license to Alaska →
Alaska requires a Successful completion of an academic program in dental hygiene of at least two years in duration that, at the time of graduation, is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association from a CODA-accredited program. The NBDHE is required. Dental hygienists may administer local anesthesia. All licensing is managed through the Alaska Board of Dental Examiners.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state dental board.