Today, we will be discussing the available Dental schools in Alaska to get a Dentistry degree for students looking forward to starting their career as a dentist.
A dental school (school of dental medicine, school of dentistry, or dental college) is a tertiary educational institution (or part of one) that teaches dental medicine to future dentists and possibly other dental auxiliaries.
Dental school graduates receive a degree in Dentistry, Dental Surgery, or Dental Medicine, which may be a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, professional degree, or doctorate, depending on the jurisdiction.
Other oral health professionals, such as dental hygienists, dental technicians and denturists, dental therapists and oral health therapists, dental assistants or dental nurses, and other members of the dental auxiliary, such as orthodontic auxiliaries, may be trained at dental schools, universities of applied science, or polytechnics.
How to get into dental school
To be accepted to dental school, there is no single formula or process to follow. The steps you should take depend on where you are on your path to becoming a dentist, whether you are a high school student, a college senior, or a nontraditional applicant looking to change careers.
For students that are willing to pursue their career in Dental education in Alaska, then you are reading the right article.
List of Dental school in Alaska
This article is for you, if you’re looking for the best dental schools in Alaska. Here are the top dental schools in Alaska that offer dental health programs.
1. Charter College
The first on the list is the Charter College Anchorage. Since 1985, Charter College Anchorage has provided Alaskans with career education opportunities.
Their Anchorage, Alaska campus currently offers programs in health care, business, information technology, and trades. They offer bachelor’s degrees, associate’s degrees, and certificate programs.
All of their programs were specifically designed to meet the hiring needs of Alaskan businesses.
Health care and trades programs provide students with hands-on training to help them enter the workforce as soon as possible.
They offer the Certificate in Dental Assisting program, which provides students with the knowledge and technical skills required to find an entry-level position as a Dental Assistant.
Contact: +1 907-277-1000
Address: 2221 E Northern Lights Blvd #120, Anchorage, AK 99508, United States
2. University of Alaska
University of Alaska is one of the best universities you can enroll in for a Dental health degree program.
The University of Alaska Anchorage is a premier university located in the heart of Alaska’s largest city and throughout the south-central region, where culture, innovation, and adventure collide.
Approximately 12,000 students from across the United States and 89 countries are currently pursuing their dreams at UAA.
The exceptional location provides unparalleled access to valuable industry connections, Arctic research, outdoor recreation courses, and other opportunities.
Contact: +1 907-428-1228
Address: Bldg 7, Chilkoot Ave, Fort Richardson, AK 99505, United States
3. Dental Careers Foundation
Their Dental Assisting Program curriculum focuses on the practical, hands-on training required to master Dental Assisting skills.
The Indianapolis Dental Careers Foundation (DCF) was founded in 1993. Their program has been constantly improved since then to reflect the most recent changes in dentistry.
When Indiana state law regarding Dental Radiology licensing changed in 2007, their curriculum was revised and now includes an increased emphasis on Radiology with the goal of maximizing preparation for the required national Radiology test.
Contact: +1 907-248-3368
Address: Denali Tower South, 2600 Denali St # 500, Anchorage, AK 99503, United States
4. Prince William Sound College
Prince William Sound College (PWSC) is a one-of-a-kind higher education institution in Valdez, Alaska.
The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities has accredited PWSC through the University of Alaska Anchorage.
PWSC offers associate degrees and occupational certificates not commonly found elsewhere, such as an Occupational Endorsement Certificate in Millwright and an Associate of Applied Science in Outdoor Leadership, in addition to a general studies degree.
Contact: +1 907-834-1600
Address: 303 Lowe St, Valdez, AK 99686, United States
5. UAF Community and Technical College
The Community and Technical College (CTC) at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) offers more than 40 one-year certificate programs, two-year associate degree programs, and occupational endorsements in high-demand career fields.
Their mission is to prepare graduates for the workforce and to provide community-driven education.
They provide a four-semester dental assistant Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree that prepares students to become skilled members of the dental health care team.
The degree program expands on the certificate program by including additional dental assistant, health, and general education coursework.
Contact: +1 907-455-2800
Address: 604 Barnette St, Fairbanks, AK 99701, United States
6. Iḷisaġvik College
Iisavik College offers high-quality postsecondary academic, career, and technical education in a setting that preserves and strengthens Iupiat culture, language, values, and traditions.
It is committed to serving its students and creating a well-educated and trained workforce that can meet the human resource needs of North Slope employers and the state of Alaska.
Their mission is to train dental therapists to meet the oral health needs of Alaskan Natives living in rural communities.
Contact: +1 907-852-3333
Address: 100 Stevenson St, Utqiagvik, AK 99723, United States
7. Alaska Career College
Alaska Career College’s programs each provide an education in a high-demand career field. A rigorous college education will prepare you for a competitive market.
Students benefit from extra time and attention in smaller classroom settings, which can give you an advantage. From certificates to degree programs, they have it all.
Alaska Career College can assist you in taking your career to the next level. Interested students can contact the college below for further information.
Contact: +1 907-563-7575
Address: 1415 E Tudor Rd, Anchorage, AK 99507, United States
8. University of Alaska Fairbanks
The University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF or Alaska) is a land-grant research university located in College, Alaska, a Fairbanks suburb.
It serves as the system’s flagship campus. The University of Alaska at Fairbanks was founded in 1917 and began classes in 1922.
UAF integrates teaching, research, and public service to educate students for active citizenship and to prepare them for lifelong learning and careers.
UAF is the state’s oldest institution of higher learning, with nine colleges and schools offering undergraduate degrees in 113 disciplines.
In addition, the university has a number of Alaska Native and Indigenous Programs and is an Alaska Native-Serving Institution.
The university is known for offering dental programs for students that wish to build up their career in dental health.
Contact: +1 907-474-7034
Address: 505 S Chandalar, Fairbanks, AK 99775, United States
9. Kenai Peninsula College
Kenai Peninsula College (KPC), founded in 1964, is a division of the University of Alaska Anchorage with four locations on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula and in Anchorage.
If you look forward to starting your career in the Dental Assisting Program or dental health program, Kenai Peninsula College (KPC) is there to help their students achieve their career goals.
Contact: +1 877-262-0330
Address: 156 College Rd, Soldotna, AK 99669, United States
What GPA Do I Need to Get into Dental School?
Because there is intense competition for admission to dental school, a 3.0 grade point average (GPA) is the minimum GPA required to compete. A GPA of 3.3 or higher would be advantageous, and the same amount of GPA is desirable for science courses.
However, admission to dental school is not solely determined by your academic performance.
A 3.5 GPA or higher is required for admission to dental school. Many schools have combined GPAs in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics (BCP). The average applicant should aim for a 3.4 GPA or higher in these science courses.
In order to achieve a career in Dental school, students must have the minimum GPA required by the dental schools during their programs so as to graduate with the best degree and become the best dentist.
What is the average time it takes to become a dentist?
A dentist’s training lasts between six and eight years. The exact path to becoming a dentist will depend on a few factors, such as specialization.
Specializations such as oral surgery or periodontology will necessitate additional training and education.
However, some students who do not wish to specialize can benefit from a combined educational program, which allows them to spend less time in school.
Program type
Some aspiring dentists will spend four years in an undergraduate program before enrolling in a dental program for another four years. Dentistry programs that combine an undergraduate degree with dental training typically allow students to finish in about six years.
Undergraduate major
The major you study in your undergraduate program can influence how long it takes you to become a dentist. Students who major in biology, chemistry, or pre-medicine, for example, may be required to take fewer courses in dental school.
Results of application
Dental school admission can be a competitive process. Students will need to have a high GPA as well as recommendations from previous professors or employers. Students will also need a minimum score on the state exam.
Specialization
Whether or not you choose to specialize in a particular area of dentistry will also have an impact on your timeline, as specializations necessitate additional training.
Conclusion on the Dental schools in Alaska
These schools listed here are the most recommended if you are looking for where to get your Dentistry degree in Alaska.
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