Beginning in 2000, Alaska Native tribal health organizations developed a new solution to address rural Alaska dental needs: the Alaska Dental Health Aide (DHA) initiative.

To find out more, please click on the links shown below, or view the many letters, articles and editorials discussing the initiative (by clicking on menu items to the left). Feel free, also, to e-mail us by clicking on the "Contact Us" button at the bottom of the page.

Professor Fiset shares an evaluation of the program. Fiset is affiliated with the University of Washington

Alaska Department of Law Memorandum stating that state licensure is not required for federally certified Dental Health Aides. 

Rural Alaska's access problem describes the unique issues in providing dental care in rural Alaska

A new approach: Dental health aides describes the solution tailored for our unique problems 

Perspective: Politics and the Dental Health Aide Initiative shows how this program is modeled after dozens of successful programs around the world, sets high standards for quality, and enjoys broad support among those interested in public health.

Frequently asked questions shares facts about the legal authority, services, provisions for quality, and efficacy of the initiative.