Dental Assistant Certificate

Applications for the Aug 2027 intake close on Mar 1, 2027, while tuition comes to 27,290 USD per year.

The Dental Assistant Certificate is a three-semester program that prepares you to work as a chairside dental assistant. It's a non-degree program that teaches you the skills you need to succeed in a general dentistry practice. You'll learn from experienced instructors and get hands-on training.

The curriculum includes classroom instruction and clinical experience, where you'll learn advanced dental assisting skills like taking impressions, radiography, and assisting with local anesthetics. You'll also study oral health and nutrition to help patients prevent dental problems.

After completing this program, you can pursue jobs like dental assistant, orthodontic assistant, or dental laboratory technician. You might work in industries like healthcare or dentistry, and employers could include private dental practices, hospitals, or clinics, where you'll help dentists and other healthcare professionals provide quality care to patients.

The University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) is a research-focused public university known for strengths in Arctic studies, environmental science, engineering and natural resources. Founded in 1917 and located in Fairbanks, UAF combines rigorous academics with hands-on learning, making it a strong choice for students who want immersive research experiences and fieldwork opportunities. The campus community supports interdisciplinary study and encourages students to contribute to real-world solutions for northern and global challenges.

UAF offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs and emphasizes applied research tied to regional needs, including climate science, renewable energy and indigenous studies. International students benefit from a close-knit campus environment, laboratory and field research opportunities, and access to specialized centers that focus on northern systems. Collaboration with faculty on funded projects is common, providing pathways to professional development, publications and practical skills valued by employers and graduate programs.

Living in Fairbanks gives students access to unique cultural and outdoor experiences, from aurora viewing to wilderness research sites, while local services support international student integration. Prospective international applicants should review program prerequisites, research opportunities and funding options, and connect with advisors in their department. UAF's emphasis on experiential learning and community engagement makes it a compelling option for students drawn to environmental research, engineering challenges and Arctic-focused scholarship.