Dental Hygienist Licenses | Permits

Licensure Pathways

There are several pathways to obtain a professional dental license in Nevada. The pathway applicants choose can differ from each applicant based on professional experience, clinical examinations completed, and the type of license sought. For more detailed information, including application checklists, please refer to the Application and License Guide available on the Applications | Forms page of our website.

Licensure by Examination

Applicants applying by examination must meet the following criteria:

• Passed the National Board Examination with a score of at least 75 or higher

• Passed all sections of ADEX or WREB clinical examination

Licensure by Endorsement

Applicants applying by endorsement must meet the following criteria:

• Currently has an active license in another state or jurisdiction

• Passed the National Board Examination with a score of at least 75 or higher

Applicants may not be Board approved and will require additional review if any of the below apply:

• Past disciplinary actions on a license in any jurisdiction

• Civil or criminal liability for misconduct in the profession

• License suspension or revocation in another state or territory

• Previous denial of a license in any U.S. Jurisdiction

• Pending disciplinary actions in another state or territory

Licensure by Military Credential

Applicants applying by military credential must:

• Be active/retired military personnel and military spouses

• Show passing scores for all sections of the National Board Examination and any clinical examinations

An expedited license is provided upon receiving the required items listed within the military credential checklist. See checklist below for more details.

The time required to process an application and reach a final licensure decision varies for each applicant. Processing times depend on the completeness of the application at the time of submission and the timeliness of required documentation from third parties, such as official transcripts, fingerprint results, verification of licensure, and examination scores.

Most applications are processed within 1 to 2 months; however, this timeframe is only an estimate and may vary based on the factors described above.

Applicants may experience longer processing times when applying during or shortly after graduation or during the license renewal season (April through July), as application volumes are typically higher during these periods.

The following provides an approximate timeline for the initial licensure process.

1. Application Confirmation (7–10 Business Days)

• You will receive a confirmation email acknowledging receipt of your application.

2. Application Processing (14–30 Business Days)

• Licensing staff will review your application for completeness and compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.
• During this stage, staff will:
  • • Review application materials;
    • Verify information with third-party entities;
    • Request additional information or documentation, if necessary
• Provide status updates regarding your application via email.

*Background Check Processing (2–6 Weeks)

• All applicants are required to complete a criminal background check. Applicants may request a fingerprint packet from the Board at any time, including before submitting a completed licensure application. The Board strongly recommends requesting the packet and completing the fingerprinting process as early as possible, as the background check is often one of the longest processing components of the licensure process.

3. Initial Application Review (2–14 Business Days)

• Once all required documentation has been received, your application will be submitted to the Board's Secretary-Treasurer and Executive Director for review.
• Following the review, you will be notified by email of the decision regarding your licensure application within 5 business days.

For more detailed information, including application checklists, please refer to the Application and License Guide available on the Applications | Forms page of our website.

A criminal background check is required for licensure. The Board must receive your background check results before your application can be submitted for final review.

Fingerprint packets are issued by the Board after an applicant submits the Fingerprint Packet Request Form available on the Board's website. Applicants may request a fingerprint packet at any time, including before submitting a completed licensure application. Applicants must receive a fingerprint packet from the Board before completing their fingerprints, as the packet contains the forms, instructions, and information required to properly process the background check. Fingerprints completed without the Board's packet may not be eligible for processing.

Applicants must have their fingerprints completed by an approved fingerprinting vendor. A list of approved vendors and instructions is included in the fingerprint packet issued by the Board.

Fingerprint Processing Timeline

After your fingerprints have been completed by an approved fingerprinting vendor, they are submitted to the Nevada Department of Public Safety (NVDPS) for processing. It generally takes 2 to 6 weeks for the Board to receive your background check results from NVDPS.

Once the Board receives your background check results from the NVDPS, the results remain valid for 90 days. If your application is not complete and ready for final review before the results expire, you will be required to submit a new set of fingerprints at your own expense.

Because fingerprint processing may take 2 to 6 weeks, applicants are encouraged to complete the fingerprinting process early. However, applicants should also ensure they are able to submit the remaining application materials in a timely manner, as background check results are valid for only 90 days after they are received by the Board. Planning accordingly can help avoid delays and the need to repeat the fingerprinting process.

Please note that the Board cannot expedite fingerprint processing or the issuance of background check results by NVDPS.

Out-of-State Applicants

Applicants who are outside Nevada at the time of fingerprinting will receive two fingerprint cards by mail, along with instructions for completion, after submitting the Fingerprint Packet Request Form. Fingerprints may be captured using ink or digitally printed onto the fingerprint cards provided by the Board.

Electronic (Live Scan) submissions cannot be accepted for applicants who are fingerprinted outside Nevada. However, applicants can utilize a live scan agency and have their fingerprints laser printed onto the Board provided fingerprint cards.

Applicants Fingerprinted in Nevada

Applicants who are physically located in Nevada will receive a Live Scan Fingerprint Packet for electronic fingerprint submission. Applicants do not need to be Nevada residents to use Live Scan; however, they must have their fingerprints completed by an approved Live Scan vendor located in Nevada. A list of approved Live Scan vendors is included in the Live Scan Fingerprint Packet, which will be provided after you submit the Fingerprint Packet Request Form.

Applicants who are outside Nevada at the time of fingerprinting must use the fingerprint cards provided by the Board.

Licensees holding a Dental Hygienist license must renew biennially (every two years) by June 30th of each even-numbered year. To remain in good standing, all licensees in the following statuses must renew their license and applicable permits by this deadline: Active, Inactive, Retired, or Disabled. 

Licensees may renew their license by submitting the renewal application or through the Board's website by clicking here. 

There is no grace period for license renewals. Licenses that are not renewed by their respective deadline will have their status chaged to Suspended. If the licensee does not complete their renewal and submit the late fee payment within one (1) year of the renewal deadline, their license will automatically convert to a Revoked status. 

No exceptions or fee waivers will be granted for late, incorrect, or incomplete renewal submissions. Late fees will be due upon receipt of a completed renewal application, along with the renewal fee.

All payments are processed upon receipt and are non-refundable. A licensee can submit payment via credit/debit, check, or money order. All credit card payments will be assessed a 3% surcharge. Cash is not accepted.

Licensees that are paying by credit/debit may pay in-person or fill in their payment information on the renewal application. If paying by check or money order, payments should be made out to the Nevada State Board of Dental Examiners and mailed or dropped off at:

Nevada State Board of Dental Examiners

Attention: Licensing Department

2651 N Green Valley Pkwy Ste. 104

Henderson, NV 89014

Public Health Endorsement Renewal

Public Health Endorsements are renewed at the same time as your active dental hygienist license, with both being renewed on the same renewal form. There is no additional fee to renew a Public Health Endorsement.

Renewal Guide

For detailed information on how to renew a license, change your license status, and more please utilize the Renewal Application Guide available on the Applications | Form Webpage.

Limited License

Applicants interested in a limited license must meet the following criteria:

• Obtains a contract with the Nevada System of Higher Education or an accredited dentistry, dental hygiene, dental therapy, or EFDA program.

• Meets at least one of the additional criteria:

  • Holds an active license to practice in another U.S state, territory, or the District of Columbia.

  • Provides proof of passing the WREB clinical examination within the last 5 years.

  • Provides proof of passing the ADEX clinical examination.

  • The internship or residency program submits a letter to the Board confirming the individual's acceptance into the program and specifying the program's start date.

Important: Limited license holders must follow practice restrictions and are limited to practice only at the clinic, hospital, or facility provided on the initial license application. A limited license holder may only receive compensation from the Nevada System of Higher Education or the accredited program where they are employed, unless they obtain a permit from the Board, as outlined in NRS 631.271 (4).

This license is only valid for one year after the validity date. License holders are required to renew prior to the expiration date annually. Once the residency or instruction contract has ended, the license expires. Licensees shall notify the Board within 7 days of their contract’s termination/ending and surrender their limited license and any permits.

Restricted Geogrpahical License

Applicants interested in a restricted geographical license must meet the following criteria:

• Must hold a valid license to practice dentistry, dental hygiene, dental therapy, or expanded function dental assistance from another state, territory, or the District of Columbia.

• Must be otherwise qualified for a license to practice dentistry, dental hygiene, dental therapy, or expanded function dental assistance in this State.

To be issued a restricted geographical license without meeting the clinical examination requirements (ADEX or WREB) an applicant must comply with one of the waivers listed in NRS 631.274 (1) A-C. See checklist below for additional details.

Important: License holders must follow practice restrictions and are limited to practice in the county or counties, federal health care center, or non-profit clinic that requested the restricted geographical licensure personnel.

Once the employment contract has ended with the county, non-profit, or other applicable dental facility, the restricted geographical license expires. Licensees shall notify the Board within 7 days of their contract’s termination/ending and surrender their restricted geographical license and any permits. A holder of this license may petition the Board for an unrestricted license by meeting the specific criteria as outlined in NRS 631.274 (7) A-D.

The Board offers the following permits that licensees may apply for to engage in specific activities or practices beyond standard licensure. Each permit has its own eligibility requirements and application process.

Laser Radiation

Laser Radiation permits may be issued to applicants that complete the following:

• Submit documentation demonstrating successful completion of a minimum six hour laser radiation course that meets the Curriculum Guidelines and Standards for Dental Laser Education

• Submit a statement confirming that each laser used by the applicant has been approved for dental use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Click here to view Board approved Laser Radiation courses

Local Anesthesia

Dental hygienists that will administer local anesthesia must complete the items below to obtain a permit:

• Request from the educational institution where you received training to complete the Certification of Proficiency form

• Submit permit application and fees. All fees are non-refundable

• Obtain approval for a dental hygiene license by the Nevada Board of Dental Examiners

Please note: The Certification of Proficiency Form must be completed and returned to the board office by the educational institution only – This form WILL NOT be accepted directly from the applicant.

Local anesthesia permits from other states are not transferable. You must apply for a permit and meet the requirements of this state.

If the qualifying local anesthesia course was completed outside of the dental hygiene program, applicants are required to submit a copy of the course syllabus from the course provider with their permit application.

Nitrous Oxide

Dental hygienists that will administer nitrous oxide must complete the items below to obtain a permit:

• Request from the educational institution where you received training to complete the Certification of Proficiency

• Submit permit application and fees. All fees are non-refundable

• Obtain approval for a dental hygiene license by the Nevada Board of Dental Examiners

Please note: The Certification of Proficiency Form must be completed and returned to the board office by the educational institution only – This form WILL NOT be accepted directly from the applicant.

Nitrous oxide permits from other states are not transferable. You must apply for a permit and meet the requirements of this state.

If the qualifying nitrous oxide course was completed outside of the dental hygiene program, applicants are required to submit a copy of the course syllabus from the course provider with their permit application.

Individuals who previously held a Nevada dental license and wish to return their license to Active status must apply for reinstatement. The reinstatement requirements depend on the applicant’s current license status and whether the applicant holds an active license in another jurisdiction.

License Status Types

Non-Active - Good Standing

A license is considered in good standing when it has been properly maintained and renewed in its current non-active status. Statuses considered non-active in good standing include:

• Inactive
• Retired
• Disabled

Applicants reinstating from a non-active good standing status are only required to pay the applicable reinstatement fee.

Non-Active – Revoked Status

A license is considered in a non-active revoked status when the license holder failed to renew or maintain the license status as required.

Applicants reinstating from a non-active revoked status are required to pay:

• The applicable reinstatement fee; and
• One licensure period renewal fee.

Reinstatement Licensure Pathways

Similar to initial licensure, there are several pathways an applicant can take to request a reinstatement of their license.

Active License and Practicing in Another State/U.S. Territory Pathway

Applicants that hold an active dental professional license in another state/U.S. Territory must complete the below to have their license be considered for reinstatement:

• Submit Reinstatement Application.

• Self-query report from the National Practitioner Data Bank (dated within 90 days from application date).

• Provide a certification letter(s) confirming good standing and no pending actions on your license from each state board where you are licensed.

• Report all claims of unprofessional conduct or professional incompetence against you, including administrative disciplinary charges brought by any other jurisdiction. Attach supporting documentation and explanation.  

• Report any criminal arrests and/or convictions and any civil court complaints or findings of liability in this State, and another state or territory of the U.S. or the District of Columbia, including but not limited to, violations of law related to your occupation or profession. Attach supporting documentation and explanation.

• Report any peer review appearances, attach supporting documentation and explanation.

• Report  any history of substance use or abuse that impaired or impairs your ability to practice safely, including any participation in rehabilitation programs related to substance abuse. 

Nevada License has been Inactive/Retired/Revoked Status for Less than Two (2) Years Pathway

Applicants that have held a non-active dental professional license in Nevada for less than 2 years must complete the below to have their license be considered for reinstatement:

• Submit Reinstatement Application.

• Submit a notarized petition for reinstatement.

Nevada License has been Inactive/Retired/Revoked Status for More than Two (2) Years Pathway

Applicants that have held a non-active dental professional license in Nevada for more than 2 years must complete the below to have their license be considered for reinstatement:

• Submit Reinstatement Application.

• Submit a notarized petition for reinstatement.

Nevada License is at a Disabled Status Pathway

Applicants that have a Nevada dental professional license at a Disabled status must complete the below to have their license be considered for reinstatement:

• Submit Reinstatement Application.

• Submit a notarized petition for reinstatement.

• Submit to the Board a statement signed by a licensed physician setting forth that you are able, mentally and physically, to practice dentistry.

Required Pro-Rated Continuing Education (CE) Credits

Per NAC 631.173, the Board will only accept CEs approved by the following bodies:

Per NAC 631.170(f), applicants are required to report the completion of CE credits for the year the applicant requests to reinstate their license. The Board’s fiscal years runs between July 1^st through June 30^th annually. CEs are prorated by quarter based on when an application is submitted within the fiscal year. Applicants must submit current CEs earned within the fiscal year.

Applicants must meet the clinical subject minimum, the infection control minimum, and the live/in-person minimum hours; the remaining hours submitted can be clinical or non-clinical subjects.

Clinical subjects include but are not limited to: dental and medical health, preventative services, dental diagnosis, dental treatment and procedures

Non-clinical subjects include but are not limited to: dental practice management, patient management skills, teaching methodology and methods of healthcare delivery

  * The hours listed for each category (i.e., clinical CEs, infection control, and live/in-person CEs) will count towards the total CE hours required. These CEs are not additional hours but represent the minimum requirement permitted for each category.

Renewal Period Notice

Nevada license renewal periods are fixed and apply to all licensees equally, regardless of when a license is reinstated.

Applicants who reinstate their license during their license type’s renewal year will still be required to complete the regular renewal process and pay any applicable renewal fees by the established renewal deadline.

Reinstatement of a license does not extend or reset the established renewal cycle.

Licensees who are newly licensed during a renewal cycle are only required to satisfy the annual continuing education (CE) requirements for their initial licensure period and are not subject to the full biennial CE requirement until the next renewal cycle

New Nevada dental licensees should plan for two one-time post-licensure training requirements before their first renewal. Under NRS 631.342, each licensee must complete a 4-hour course on the medical consequences of an act of terrorism involving a weapon of mass destruction within 2 years after initial licensure.

New Nevada dental licensees also must complete a 2-hour Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) course. SBIRT is defined in NRS 631.103 as an evidence-based approach for identifying substance use risk, providing brief intervention, and referring for further treatment when needed. 

Per NAC 631.173, licensees are required to complete a minimum of 30 Contining Education (CE) credit hours every biennial or 15 CE credit hours annually. Licensees must retain certificates documenting CE credit hours for at least three (3) years from the date of course completion. Hours may not be carried over from one licensing period to another.

Of the required minimum CE credit hours, a minimum of 24 CE credit hours every biennial or 12 CE credit hours annually must be in clinical subjects.

At least 50% of the required minimum CE credit hours must be completed through live courses (courses completed online that are not pre-recorded count toward the live course requirement).

Recognized CE Approval Bodies

Per NAC 631.173, the Board will only accept CEs approved by the following bodies:

Required CE Subject Courses Within the First Two (2) Years of Licensure

Within two (2) years of initial licensure, licensees must complete the following subject courses and submit documentation of completion to the Board:

• bioterrorism (4 hours)

• screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) (2 hours)

These courses may count towards the minimum total CE hours needed for the licensure period.

Required Infection Control CE Hours

As part of the overall minimum CE requirement, licensees must satisfy the following minimum hours in designated subject areas:

• infection control (4 hours per biennial/2 hours annually)

Infection Control courses may count towards the minimum total CE hours needed for the licensure period.

Required Clinical and Non-Clinical Subject Hours

Of the required minimum total CE credit hours, a minimum of 24 CE credit hours every biennial or 12 CE credit hours annually must be in clinical subjects.

Clinical subjects include but are not limited to: dental and medical health, preventative services, dental diagnosis, dental treatment and procedures

Non-clinical subjects include but are not limited to: dental practice management, patient management skills, teaching methodology and methods of healthcare delivery

Additional Approved CE Credit Activities

Licensees may obtain contining education credit hours for any of the below:

• Approved group study:

  • Up to 3 hours

• Attendance at a dental or dental hygiene society meeting or convention:

  • 1 hour per meeting, up to a maximum of 3 hours (Does not include CE hours offered in conjunction with the meeting)

• Home study, online, self-study, journal study, or distance learning (including webinars, CDs, or DVDs) (Not to exceed 50% of total CE credit hours required)

• Approved volunteer dental or dental hygiene services in nonprofit settings:

  • not to exceed 3 hours per day, and up to 6 hours maximum for the licensure period