Dental Health Aide Dental Health Aides

DHAT students learning how to perform dental exams on each other.

Alaska’s Tribal Health System educates and employ’s four levels of Dental Health Aides. Primary Dental Health Aides provide patient education and preventative services such a fluoride and oral hygiene education. They can also be trained to be a dental assistant, take radiographs, provide cleanings, complete atraumatic restorative treatment and place sealants. Expanded Function Dental Health Aides can be educated to either place restorations or provide cleanings. Dental Health Aide Hygienists must hold a state license as a registered dental hygienist. Dental Health Aide Therapists/Practitioners (DHAT/DHATPs) receive three academic years of education through the Iḷisaġvik College/ANTHC Alaska Dental Therapy Educational Program or another Commission on Dental Accreditation accredited program. DHATs can provide diagnosis and treatment planning, cleanings, sealants, fillings and extractions. All Dental Health Aides earn certification from the Alaska Community Health Aide Program Certification Board.