Verified October 9, 2026 against the practice act, board rules and sources cited below. The board decides every application. All states
What dentists miss in Nevada
- The endorsement regulation asks for five years of active practice immediately before applying, and the license still depends on Nevada's written law exam.
- Nevada offers specialist licenses that can be granted without a clinical exam to board-certified specialists.
Can a dentist licensed elsewhere get a Nevada license by credentials?
Nevada's exam-free temporary license for experienced out-of-state dentists stopped issuing on July 1, 2006. Board regulations under the state's general endorsement law now allow licensure by endorsement with a passing score on a nationally recognized exam approved by the board and five years of active practice. The Nevada law exam still applies.
- Licensure by credentials available
- Practice required: 5 years immediately before applying
Citation: NRS 622.530; NAC 631.030(2); NRS 631.272(4) (closed route)
Which clinical exams does Nevada accept?
Nevada accepts a clinical exam approved by the board and ADEX (the American Board of Dental Examiners), or a WREB certificate.
- ADEX accepted
Does Nevada require a jurisprudence exam?
The board examines every dentist and hygienist applicant in writing on Nevada's dental practice act and board regulations.
- Jurisprudence or law exam
Is Nevada in the dental compact?
Nevada is not a dental compact member.
- Not a compact member
Does Nevada require a sedation permit?
A board permit is required to give or supervise minimal sedation, moderate sedation, deep sedation or general anesthesia. Permits involve an office inspection and evaluation, including simulated emergencies, and renew every two years.
- Separate sedation permit
Does Nevada issue specialty licenses?
Nevada issues specialist licenses. A board-certified diplomate, or a specialist eligible for certification who becomes a diplomate within six years, can get one without the clinical exam.
- Specialty license or permit
What hygienists need to know in Nevada
Hygienists can apply by endorsement under the general endorsement law. A 2025 amendment bars the board from requiring a set period of recent practice for hygienist endorsement.
- Hygienist licensure by credentials
Do dental assistants need a Nevada registration?
Since 2023 Nevada licenses expanded function dental assistants, with a license by endorsement for those licensed elsewhere. The board may require extra training before endorsement.
- Assistant or EFDA registration
Does Nevada require fingerprints?
- Fingerprint background check
Does Nevada offer a temporary or restricted dental license?
Limited licenses without a clinical exam go to dental interns, residents and instructors under contract with the Nevada System of Higher Education or an accredited program. These renew annually.
- Temporary or restricted license available
How often does a Nevada dental license renew?
General licenses renew every two years. Dentists complete 40 CE hours per biennium, at least 30 in clinical subjects, and hygienists at least 24 clinical hours.
- Renews every 2 years
- 40 CE hours per cycle
Licensing in Nevada?
For a license, we prepare every supporting document and a question-by-question guide, request your verifications, and track it to a decision; you complete, sign and submit the application. License by credentials is $799 per state.
Sources
- compact (no active Nevada bill)
- clinicalExam.adexAccepted
- credentials (631.272 closed July 1, 2006), clinicalExam (631.240), exams (631.240(2), 631.300(2)), sedation (631.265), hygienist (631.190(2)), assistants (631.31285 to 631.31287), specialty (631.250, 631.255), temporaryLicense (631.271), fingerprints (631.220), renewal (631.330)
- credentials (NAC 631.030(2) endorsement, five years), sedation (inspections and evaluations, biennial permit renewal fee), renewal.ceHours (40 hours biennially)
- credentials (NRS 622.530 license by endorsement)