Prevention. Promotion. Protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find a dentist to care for myself and/or my family?

Ask your current health care provider or Public Health Nurse for a referral to a dental provider near your home, or one that travels to your community.

Contact your Regional Public Health Center or Community Health Center for providers in your local area or urban communities close to your home. The Directory of Alaska Health Care Sites can help you find community sites with dental care services.

Use your telephone directory Yellow Pages for a list of dentists in your community. Medicaid clients should check with their current dental provider and ask if they serve Medicaid/Denali KidCare clients. Clients can check with their Regional Public Health Center for a list of providers taking new Medicaid clients.

For a list of dental providers that serve Medicaid clients, 1-800-780-9972 toll free outside of the Anchorage area.

Which dental services are covered by Medicaid/Denali KidCare?

Children (age 0 to 21) — Emergency, routine, and preventative services adequate to restore and maintain dental function are covered for children. Exam, X-ray, scaling, polishing, fluoride treatments and sealants are covered. Dentures, crowns, caps, root canals and oral surgery are also covered. Some services may require prior authorization. Child and Alaska Medical Assistance Programs publication

Adults (age 21 and over) — Coverage for Medicaid eligible adults who are 21 years and older is limited to services for the immediate relief of pain and acute infections. This means that if you are having problems with a tooth and the tooth needs to be pulled or filled Medicaid would cover that treatment. If you have an infection Medicaid would cover the treatment to relieve the infection. However, if your dental provider states that you would need a root canal or crown as a result of the treatment, this service would not be covered by Medicaid. State of Alaska, Division of Health Care Services web site FAQs

Where can I get information about training to become a dental provider? 

Dental training programs for Alaska residents are available in Alaska or through programs in other states with special consideration for Alaska students.

To train as a Dental Assistant or Dental Hygienist in Alaska, click to connect to the University of Alaska Anchorage Community and Technical College, Division of Health and Safety, Dental Programs or call (907) 786-6929.

To train as a Dentist, connect to the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) or call (303) 541-0200. The dental schools closest to Alaska are the School of Dentistry at the University of Washington and Oregon Health and Sciences University School of Dentistry.The American Dental Association and the American Dental Hygiene Association can help you with other questions regarding careers in the dental health profession.

How can I get a license in the State of Alaska as a dentist or dental hygienist?

Contact the Alaska Board of Dental Examiners or the Alaska Division of Occupational Licensing

Who should I contact if I have a complaint about a dentist licensed in Alaska?

The Alaska Board of Dental Examiners handles complaints and disciplinary actions for dental providers licensed in Alaska.

Where can I find out if my drinking water has enough fluoride in it to help prevent dental decay?

Contact your local water system operator and ask if the naturally occurring fluoride level in your water is 0.7 to 1.7 parts per million (PPM) or if the system’s water is being adjusted to that level. If you have a well for your water source, you can have your water tested at a certified testing lab.

What if my water does not have a level of fluoride high enough to prevent dental decay?

Contact your health care or dental provider to learn more about fluoride supplements or sealants for your child. Information about fluoride supplements and sealants can be found at Resources/Links Health Information.

What should I do in case of a dental emergency?

Call your dentist (most have an emergency contact number on their telephone message recording if they are not available), or go to the nearest emergency room. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentists offers information on how to handle a dental injury or tooth that has been knocked out.

How can I find out about oral cancer, if I am at risk or where to get a screening?

There are many sites on the Internet that can provide you with information regarding oral cancer. Check in the Resources/Links Health Information section of this web site or use a search engine to locate other oral cancer web sites. Ask your dentist or primary care provider about an oral cancer screening during your next visit. Your health care provider, dental provider, Public Health Nurse, Community Health Center or local organizations may have printed materials on oral cancer or information on screenings at school or health fair events.

Is information about other oral health topics available on this web site?

es. Look at the Resource/Links Page on this web site for the following topics on oral health: