A gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86cm) in height overall, consisting of a maroon cross centered on a white background below four indented concentric arcs of yellow, orange, red and blue from base to top; between the red and blue arcs a maroon motto scroll arched from base and inscribed "CHALLENGES OPPORTUNITIES" in gold letters.
Maroon and white are the colors traditionally associated with the Army Medical Corps. The maroon cross is a traditional symbol of mercy. The white field surrounding the cross alludes to the climate, and sometimes harsh environment of Alaska, the state in which the unit serves. The colored arcs refer to the aurora borealis, a natural phenomenon of the Arctic region, and connote the spirit of the unit's motto.
The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the U.S. Army Dental Activity, Fort Richardson on 26 Jan 1981. Due to unit re-designation the insignia was assigned to U.S. Army Dental Activity, Alaska, with description revised, on 24 May 1990. It was cancelled effective 30 September 2016, when the unit was discontinued.