Here are nine facts to know about dentistry in Alaska:
- What five dental roles earn on average per year in the state:
- Dental assistants: $50,640
- Dental hygienists: $115,510
- Dentists: $168,390
- Oral surgeons: $277,276
- Orthodontists: $311,188
- There are 470 active general dentists in Alaska.
- Alaska has 317 dental professional shortage areas.
- Alaska received a score of 27 out of 32 for the extensiveness of its adult Medicaid dental coverage.
- Alaska was No. 46 on a list of states ranked for dental health.
- In 2021, 46.4 percent of dentists in the state practiced solo.
- Alaska placed No. 1 on a list of best states for dentists to live and work.
- Alaska was included on a list of best states for new dental graduates to practice.
- Alaska was the first state to authorize dental therapists in 2004.