Students complete labs and clinicals in an on-campus dental clinic and professional dental offices while accumulating college credits to work towards their degree program!
Note: Admissions to the Dental Assisting program (major and pre-major) are closed, as the program is in a teach-out status and will be discontinued after July 2025. As such, no new students will be allowed to start the program. If you are interested in the Dental Hygiene program or other healthcare programs, please see a College of Health advisor to discuss your options.
dental assisting
Dentists depend on their dental assistants to be knowledgeable, anticipate their needs and assist in providing quality care for their patients. Dental assistants are essential! Our graduates are sought after and experience a high rate of employment due to their commitment to quality, professionalism, advanced knowledge in which they demonstrate by earning their Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) recognition, upon completion of the program. Our professors are highly experienced in teaching, with 35 years of teaching experience, and our graduates can easily find jobs due to the high demand for dental assistants. The job outlook for dental assistants in Alaska is growing much faster than most occupations. Dental Assisting can be a secure lifetime career with opportunities for advancement.
If you answered "yes" to the questions above, then you may be a good candidate to join the dental assisting program!
WHY CHOOSE dental assisting AT UAA?
Percentage of UAA dental assisting alumni who successfully find jobs as dental assistants after graduation.
Cost effective program that can be completed in as little as one year with full time and part time availability.
Learn from expert faculty who have published research and presented nationally on oral health care topics.
The only publicly available accredited Dental Assisting program 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 UAA 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 UAA and recently earned her Ph.D. in Psychology with a focus on Cognition and Learning, strengthening her commitment to advancing education and student success.
Hello and thank you for your interest in the UAA Dental Assisting Program where your dream of working in the dental field could be less than a year away! Our Dental Assisting Program has a one year Undergraduate certificate degree and a two year Associate Degree. Both of these programs provide students with a gateway to a new, high demand profession. The dental facility at UAA is outstanding and designed to exceed the needs of students as they learn hands-on technical skills. UAA's program and facility is one of the best in the country. The graduates of this program learn all of the skills needed to be a valued, entry level dental assistant. UAA Dental Assisting graduates are highly marketable and often have multiple employment offers upon completion of the program.
-Stephanie Olson, CDA, MS
PROGRAM INFORMATION
Contact Us
Phone: (907) 786-4346
Email: uaa_dentalprograms@alaska.edu
UAA School of Allied Health
Allied Health Sciences Building
3500 Seawolf Drive, AHS 148
Anchorage, Alaska 99508
Mailing Address
UAA Dental Assisting Program
3211 Providence Drive, AHS 148
Anchorage, Alaska 99508
