Alaska News
News stories from the past 60 days.
Jul 23, 2024 - Describes findings of a new report from the Alaska Division of Public Health showing improvements in dental health among children 3 and younger across various metrics. Identifies possible factors contributing to the positive trends, including Medicaid expansion and the expansion of the Dental Health Aide Therapist program. Discusses ongoing rural dental health disparities and recommendations for improvement.
Source: Alaska Beacon
Jul 17, 2024 - Describes the role of dental therapists, a provider type licensed to provide basic preventative care under the supervision of a dentist, in expanding oral healthcare access in rural and underserved communities. Highlights the work of dental therapists in tribal communities in Alaska and Washington, where oral health needs are significant and dentists are in short supply.
Source: Stateline
Jul 8, 2024 - The Della Keats program, with a focus on rural Alaska Native students considering careers in health-related professions, lapsed due to a lack of funding, but is back for the first time since 2018. The initiative won a $1.3 million grant from the Indian Health Service that should fund it for at least 5 more years.
Source: Alaska Beacon
May 31, 2024 - Features a harm reduction program serving residents of Alaska's rural Kenai Peninsula. Explores strategies for making services, including syringe exchange and opioid-overdose treatment distribution, accessible to remote populations.
Source: Alaska Public Media, PBS, NPR
Last Updated: 7/23/2024