Steps to get licensed in Alaska
- Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program of at least two academic years.
- Pass the NBDHE.
- Pass the ADEX clinical exam or a board-approved equivalent within five years of applying.
- Hold current CPR certification with a hands-on component.
- Submit a notarized application with your transcript, exam scores, and any license verifications.
- Pass the Alaska jurisprudence exam (70% to pass), which the board sends after it reviews your application.
Board exams for Alaska licensure
Every state requires the written National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). For the hands-on clinical exam, Alaska accepts ADEX.
The American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX) exam. It was formerly given through CDCA-WREB-CITA, which included WREB and CITA.
Our dental hygiene board exam guide covers how the NBDHE works, how it's scored, and how to study.
Jurisprudence exam and local anesthesia
- Jurisprudence exam
- Required
Alaska requires a jurisprudence exam on its dental laws and rules for your first license. You need 70% to pass and you take it after you apply.
- Local anesthesia
- Separate credential
Alaska issues a separate certification to administer local anesthetic agents. You need a board-approved course plus a written and clinical local anesthesia exam, or an equivalent practice-based pathway.
Moving to Alaska with a license from another state
Alaska isn't a member of the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact.
If you're already licensed in another state, ask the Alaska Board of Dental Examiners about licensure by credentials (also called endorsement or reciprocity). Our guide to getting a dental hygiene license explains how it usually works.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to become a dental hygienist in Alaska?
About 3 years. BLS says dental hygiene programs usually take 3 years. ADEA puts the average associate degree program at 2 years, and most applicants finish prerequisite courses first. The one school with a dental hygiene program in Alaska offers a bachelor's degree. After you graduate, you pass the NBDHE, a clinical exam, and the jurisprudence exam, then the Alaska Board of Dental Examiners reviews your application. Dental hygiene schools in Alaska
Can I transfer my dental hygiene license to Alaska?
Not automatically. Alaska isn't in the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact. If you're already licensed in another state, ask the Alaska Board of Dental Examiners about licensure by credentials (also called endorsement or reciprocity). How to get a dental hygiene license
Does Alaska require a jurisprudence exam?
Yes. Alaska requires a jurisprudence exam on its dental laws and rules for your first license. You need 70% to pass and you take it after you apply.
Can dental hygienists give local anesthesia in Alaska?
Alaska issues a separate certification to administer local anesthetic agents. You need a board-approved course plus a written and clinical local anesthesia exam, or an equivalent practice-based pathway.
Which clinical exams does Alaska accept?
Alaska accepts one clinical exam: ADEX. Dental hygiene board exam guide
Sources
Last verified August 31, 2026.
- commerce.alaska.gov /web/portals/5/pub/den0075.pdf
- akrules.elaws.us /aac/12.28.935
- akrules.elaws.us /aac/12.28.320
- adextesting.org /adex-acceptance-map
Rules change. Confirm with the Alaska Board of Dental Examiners before you rely on them. Official board site