Nevada — Red Rock Canyon at golden hour

Nevada Dental Assistant License

Nevada State Board of Dental Examiners

Total Fee
$200
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

What You'll Need

  • Proof of Training — Certificate from CODA-accredited program or documentation of on-the-job training hours.
  • DANB Certification — Official CDA certification from the Dental Assisting National Board, if applicable.
  • Radiography Certification — Proof of radiography competency/certification required for taking x-rays.
  • Fingerprint background check — through IdentoGO (IDEMIA)
  • Application fee — $200

How to Apply

  1. Review Expanded Function Requirements
    Determine which specific expanded function certification (e.g., Radiology, Coronal Polishing, Restorative Functions) you wish to obtain and review its unique requirements on the Nevada State Board of Dental Examiners website, including coursework, experience, and examinations.
  2. Gather Supporting Documentation
    Collect all necessary documents, which may include official transcripts, certificates of completion for approved courses, proof of current CPR certification, and any other specific requirements for your chosen expanded function.
  3. Create Online Portal Account
    Register for an account on the Nevada State Board of Dental Examiners Online Services Portal if you do not already have one. You will need to provide personal information and verify your email address.
  4. Complete and Submit Application
    Log in to the Nevada State Board of Dental Examiners Online Services Portal, complete the Expanded Functions Dental Assistant Application, upload all required supporting documents, and pay the non-refundable application fee for each certification requested.
  5. Board Review and Approval
    After submitting your complete application and all required documentation, the Nevada State Board of Dental Examiners will review your submission. You will be notified of the Board's decision regarding your certification.
  6. Receive Certification
    Upon approval, your Expanded Functions Dental Assistant certification will be issued, allowing you to perform the approved procedures in Nevada.
Total Fee
$200
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

Transfer License

Contact the Nevada State Board of Dental Examiners for current transfer requirements.

Steps

  1. Submit Your Application
    Apply through the Nevada State Board of Dental Examiners. The application fee is $200.
  2. Provide License Verification
    Nevada requires official verification of your active out-of-state license. This must be sent directly to the board from your current state board or its official online verification system before your file can be considered complete.
  3. Provide Proof of Training
    Certificate from CODA-accredited program or documentation of on-the-job training hours.
  4. Provide DANB Certification
    Official CDA certification from the Dental Assisting National Board, if applicable.
  5. Provide Radiography Certification
    Proof of radiography competency/certification required for taking x-rays.
  6. Complete Fingerprinting and Background Screening
    Nevada requires a criminal background check for all applicants. Out-of-state applicants can use IdentoGO Out-of-State Live Scan OR FD-258 hard card via mail. Completing prints outside Nevada can add 2-4 weeks to your processing time.
  7. Await Board Processing
    Plan for a processing timeline of about 4 to 6 Weeks once your file is complete. If you need to start working immediately, most states do not offer temporary practice authorization during the endorsement process. Contact the state board directly for current policies on practice authorization while your application is pending.
Total Fee
Contact board
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Nevada State Board of Dental Examiners

Keeping Your License Active

Nevada Dental Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Nevada State Board of Dental Examiners for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$200
Endorsement application$200

Slow Downs

Fingerprinting delays
Out-of-state prints can add 2-4 weeks to your timeline.
Missing or incomplete documents
Have all your documents ready before starting the application to avoid processing delays.
Application errors
Double-check that your name matches across all documents exactly. Mismatches are a common reason for delays.
Nevada-specific note
Nevada may require verification of specific expanded functions training, and documentation from out-of-state programs is often delayed.

Questions

Does Nevada require a dental assistant license?
Yes, Nevada requires Dental Assistant / EFDA through the state board.
Is DANB certification recognized in Nevada?
Yes, DANB CDA certification is recognized and often preferred by employers in Nevada.
Can I take dental x-rays in Nevada?
Yes, but a radiography permit or certification is required.
How much does it cost to become a dental assistant in Nevada?
State application fees are $200. Additional costs may include DANB CDA exam ($450), radiography certification, and background check fees.

Board Info

Nevada State Board of Dental Examiners
Sources