As a dental hygiene major, you will complete practicum experiences using the most
current technology in the °µÍøÊÓÆµDental 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 °µÍøÊÓÆµDental 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.
DEGREES OFFERED
*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
UAA’s Licensure and Certificate website for more information.
WHY CHOOSE dental hygiene AT UAA?
The °µÍøÊÓÆµDental 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.
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.
Carri Shamburger is the Program Director for the Dental Hygiene Program at °µÍøÊÓÆµand recently earned her Ph.D. in Psychology with a focus on Cognition and Learning, strengthening her commitment to advancing education and student success.
Message from the Director
Greetings from the °µÍøÊÓÆµDental Hygiene Program! Dental Hygiene is a rewarding profession
that allows clinicians to help people improve their oral health. Many health care
providers enjoy volunteering around the world and dental hygienists have skills that
can be used in in this way to aid those who have little access to dental care. If
you are interested in learning more about what it takes to become a dental hygienist,
we welcome you to look through our website and contact us if you have more questions.