DHAT Certification and Scope of Practice

Completion of the two-year program prepares dental health aide therapists (DHAT) to provide professional and culturally competent dental care and preventive services. After graduation, DHATs are required to demonstrate competency in their scope of care by completing a 400-hour preceptorship with a supervising dentist.

DHAT services include:

• Community based oral health preventative care and education
• Basic restorations
• Cleanings
• Non-surgical extractions

Every two years, DHATs apply for re-certification through their approved oversight board depending on which state they are practicing in. For Alaska, DHATs apply for certification through the Alaska Community Health Aide Program Certification Board (CHAPCB).