In today’s blog post, we will thoroughly look at the best dentistry schools in Alaska alongside other essential things in dentistry.
When the word “dentist” is used, it can bring up some of our most dreary childhood experiences, when the buzzing sound of the drill could only mean one thing, fillings.
However, dentists play a critical role in maintaining both the overall health of the population and our dental hygiene.
Because of the advancements made in contemporary dentistry, tooth decay, at worst, results in an uncomfortable visit to the dentist.
It may have been fatal centuries ago. Dentistry is important because it helps the population’s oral and dental health improve, making oral care professionals highly sought-after in many nations around the world.
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By choosing to major in dentistry, you can graduate from college with a degree that virtually guarantees you high-paying employment, anywhere around the globe.
However, this isn’t a good reason to choose to study it, and you must be ready for years of arduous effort in the service of others, just like with any field of study where you have control over other people’s health. However, it is not as simple as you may believe to choose to pursue a career in dentistry.
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What can you anticipate from a course in dentistry?
A typical dentistry course lasts four to five years of full-time study, and students can expect a busy schedule right away.
This includes learning the basics of oral physiology and spending time in the clinic, all of which will demand putting a lot of energy into your studies.
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Expect to spend nine to five, five days a week, in university, unlike your classmates who are taking courses in the arts or humanities.
This dedication will, however, be rewarded with a tight-knit peer group that will serve as an excellent support network for students during their studies, as well as many events created by the student committees of the Dentistry School.
Being forced into practicing dentistry nearly right away is one of the challenges of learning it. Professor Liz Kay, Dean of Plymouth University’s Peninsula School of Medicine and Dentistry, acknowledges that studying dentistry is “clinically intense” and exposes students to a lot of patients.
“We want them to provide holistic care to actual people from the outset, just as if they were in general practice. They will then be introduced to the specialty later on in the course”, she continues.
Dental students frequently worry that they won’t be able to respond professionally to a variety of challenges in the clinic, but modules in preventive dentistry, health education, dental practice administration, and dental mechanics, among many other topics, are an essential component of any course in dentistry.
Specializations like aesthetic dentistry and orthodontics are becoming increasingly attractive choices for those looking for more independence in their future enterprises as a result of their growing market appeal.
The amount of contact hours required for dentistry is tough, but so is the evaluation process. A lot of exams, both written and practical, are often part of it. Expect to withdraw at exam times.
Dentistry schools in Alaska
Alaska doesn’t have many dental schools. Here is a list of the few found in Alaska.
- 1. University of Alaska–Fairbanks Campus
University of Alaska—Fairbanks Is a public university established in 1917. The campus is 2,250 acres in size, with a total undergraduate enrollment of 6,206 (fall 2019), and is located in an urban area.
The academic calendar is based on semesters. University of Alaska—Fairbanks is ranked #299–391 in the National Universities category in the Best Colleges 2022 edition.
In terms of national universities, University of Alaska–Fairbanks is rated #299–391 overall. Schools are graded based on how well they perform against a set of widely accepted quality indicators.
Admissions to the University of Alaska-Fairbanks are competitive, with a 76 percent acceptance rate. The University of Alaska-Fairbanks has a June 15 application deadline and a $50 application fee.
Address: 505 S Chandalar, Fairbanks, AK 99775, United States
Contact: +1 907-474-7034
- 2. Charter College
A network of independent, privately funded, for-profit universities are known as Charter College. Healthcare, business, veterinary science, information technology, and a few trade careers are all offered by Charter College.
With locations in five states, Charter provides associate, bachelor’s, and certificate degrees. There are certain programs that offer entirely online options.
Dr. Milton Byrd, a former provost at Florida International University and president of Chicago State University with a campus in Anchorage, Alaska, founded Charter College in 1985.
Since it first opened its doors more than 30 years ago, Charter has introduced online degree programs and campuses in 14 more cities.
In order to introduce the Charter educational philosophy to New Mexico, the Charter Institute was established in 2016.
Address: 2221 E Northern Lights Blvd #120, Anchorage, AK99508, United States
Contact: +1 907-277-1000
You might want to think about going to school elsewhere or using the University of Alaska System to pursue a new medical specialty. Dental schools outside of your state include:
- The Missouri University in Kansas City
- Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine, Arizona, The University of Alabama in Birmingham
- California’s Loma Linda University School of Dentistry
- University of Colorado Denver Dental School
Dental school lasts for roughly eight years. This entails completing an undergraduate degree in four years and a DMD, or doctor of medical dentistry, in an additional four years.
You might have a better chance of getting accepted as a student at an out-of-state dental school if you earn a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene or a closely related field.
Students having experience and observation hours are preferred by dental schools. The Alaska University System offers several diplomas and degrees in dentistry, including the following:
- Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC)
- Dental Health Aide certificate
- University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) Dental Assisting and
- University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF)
What prerequisites exist for dental studies?
Every university has extremely specific criteria for applicants who wish to study dentistry:
- Dexterity
This is a must because you’ll be handling potentially hazardous items in a very confined area (the dreaded drill in the mouth, for example).
Prospective dentistry students are frequently required to show off their manual dexterity abilities, such as by playing an instrument at a high level or putting together small models.
- A dedication to helping others
As previously stated, dentistry is a very lucrative field, but institutions are not interested in applicants who are solely looking to make money.
You will be dealing with the very important topic of public health, after all. You should make an effort to obtain experience giving back to the community through volunteer activities in order to show that you are committed to doing so.
- A thorough understanding of bodily anatomy, including the anatomy of the mouth and face
Of course, you will learn more about this as you continue to study, but colleges are looking for students who have a solid grasp of the science of the body, which may be shown by earning an A Level or equivalent in Biology and Chemistry, for instance.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as a team mate
Being able to demonstrate that you are a good team player is important because studying dentistry requires both individual and group work.
Professional dentists also work with assistants and partners in clinics. Being able to demonstrate that you can work well with others is crucial in dentistry.
More generally, if English is not your first language, you must be able to establish your English proficiency, for example through an IELTS test, and meet all entry-level requirements of the institutions you are applying to in order to be considered for a Dentistry course.
After that, there is typically an interview to find out why you want to pursue a career in dentistry. If you are applying from abroad, the interview can be conducted via phone or Skype. Although ambition will always be present, this time it is about demonstrating your dedication to the larger good, public health, and communities.
Conclusion on the Dentistry schools in Alaska
However, pursuing a degree in dentistry does not need you to enter the field of medicine directly because such a challenging program equips students for careers in practically any field.
An oral care professional can work in management, education, research, and other areas related to people’s oral health, for instance, even within the field of dentistry. This makes them essential professionals and care providers.
Dentistry schools in Alaska Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Does Alaska Medicaid cover dental care?
Alaska provides dental insurance to qualified individuals! Medicaid is a program that assists Alaskans in covering both health and dental services! When Alaskans require dental care, Medicaid comes in handy.
- How do I become an Alaska dental assistant?
In the state of Alaska, a dental assistant may perform basic supportive dental procedures as defined by the state dental practice act under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist. This level of dental assisting has no educational or training requirements.
- Is there a dental school in Alaska?
Alaska Dental Schools Only three of Alaska’s seven colleges offer Dental degree programs. Dental degrees are in high demand by employers these days, and students who complete these programs have a plethora of opportunities waiting for them once they graduate.
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Chibueze Uchegbu is a certified medical physiologist with a great passion for healthy living.