Primary Dental Health Aide PDHA I/II

Primary Dental Health Aides provide patient education and preventative services such a fluoride and oral hygiene education. They can also be trained to take radiographs, provide cleanings, complete atraumatic restorative treatment and place sealants.

Primary Dental Health Aide I

  • Obtain BLS certification
  • Must complete DHA Core Curriculum Course
  • Trained to provide oral health instruction, diet education and topical fluoride application
  • These skills are taught in one course and requires the completion of a preceptorship
  • Requires Standing Orders

Primary Dental Health Aide II

  • Obtain BLS certification
  • Must complete DHA Core Curriculum and Advanced Dental Procedures courses, and a course in one of the following areas:
    • Dental radiology
    • Dental prophylaxis
    • Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART), or
    • Sealants
  • These are four separate courses and each requires a preceptorship. Students can complete one or all four courses
  • PDHA II’s can work under indirect or general supervision after taking the Village Based Dental Practice course.
  • Requires Standing Orders

Primary Dental Health Aide Certification

All Dental Health Aides earn certification from the Alaska Community Health Aide Program Certification Board.

PDHA Preceptorship Checklist – DARC Reviewed 5/14/25

PDHA 8-Procedure Recertification Checklist – DARC Reviewed 5/14/25

CHAPCB Applications

The CHAPCB office receives, screens, and tracks all applications for certification. Applications are accessed via the CHAPCB webpage.