1. Does Nevada offer licensure by credentials?  
   Yes, pursuant to NRS 631.255, Nevada offers licensure by credential for “specialist” who has current certification as a diplomate from a certifying board approved by the ADA.
    
2. What examinations does Nevada accept for dental  licensure? 
   Pursuant to NRS 631.240, Nevada has two methods of licensure by examination.  Effective July 1, 2005; Nevada accepts the Western Regional Examining Board if successfully passed within five (5) years immediately preceding the date of the application.  Effective October 1, 2007, passing scores from the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX) exam approved by American Dental Licensing Examination (ADLEX). The North East Regional Board (NERB) and/or the Central Regional Dental Testing Service (CRDTS) administering the ADEX approved exam will be accepted for dental licensure provided the examination was taken and passed after October 1, 2007. Please contact the NSBDE regarding additional information for licensure by ADLEX and all other licensing requirements at (800) 337-3926 or (702) 486-7044.

   In addition, pursuant to NRS 631.230 applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

   1. Is over the age of 21 years;
   2. Is a citizen of the United States, or is lawfully entitled to remain and work in the United States;
   3. Is a graduate of an accredited dental school or college; and
   4. Is of good moral character.

   To determine whether a person has good moral character, the Board may consider whether his license to practice dentistry in another state has been suspended or revoked or whether he is currently involved in any disciplinary action concerning his license in that state.

   Please contact the Board office to request an application and packet.  The charge for the application and packet is $25.00.
   Note:  There are other types of licensure for dental and dental hygiene such as, Restricted Geographical and Limited Licensure, please contact the Board office for more information.
    

3. Is there a patient pool I can draw from for Board patients?
   No. Each candidate is responsible for bringing the appropriate patients. The school is NOT a resource for patients nor may patient screening be done at the school prior to the exam.
    
4. When can I begin practicing in Nevada?
   Applicants will be notified of successful exam results or license approval and will be provided with a license number and the required form(s) to complete. Upon completion of the forms and payment of the license registration fees, your license will become effective.
    
5. How do I apply for a specialty license?
   Upon successful completion of a specialty program accredited by the American Dental Association, qualified individuals may apply for specialty licensure. Applications are available online or from the Board office.
    
6. Can I get a temporary license for use until I am able to take the Board?
   No. State law does not provide for temporary licensure .

FROM APPLICANTS FOR DENTAL HYGIENE LICENSURE…

1. Does Nevada offer licensure by reciprocity or by credentials?
   No. Pursuant to NRS 631.300, Nevada has two methods of licensure by examination. Nevada offers both licensures by Nevada clinical examination and licensure by WREB examination. Effective July 1, 2005, Nevada accepts the Western Regional Examining Board if successfully passed within five (5) years immediately preceding the date of the application.
    
   In addition, pursuant to NRS 631.290 applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
    
   1. Is over the age of 18 years;
   2. Is a citizen of the United States, or is lawfully entitled to remain and work in the United States;
   3. Is a graduate of an accredited dental school or college; and
   4. Is of good moral character.

   To determine whether a person has good moral character, the Board may consider whether his license to practice dentistry in another state has been suspended or revoked or whether he is currently involved in any disciplinary action concerning his license in that state.
    
   Please contact the Board office to request an application and packet. The charge for the application and packet is $25.00.
    

2. Can I get a temporary license for use until I am able to take the Board?
   No. State law does not provide for temporary licensure.
    
3. Does Nevada require that candidates for dental hygiene licensure examination have approved training to administer local anesthesia?
   Yes. Qualified candidates may administer local anesthesia for their Nevada Board examination patients. However Nevada does not require successful completion of the WREB anesthesia examination.
    
4. Are graduates from non-accredited programs eligible to take the dental hygiene examination?
   No. All candidates for the dental hygiene examination must be graduates of an accredited dental hygiene program.
    
5. How soon after the examination can I expect to begin practicing in Nevada?
   By law, the Board has up to four weeks to notify candidates of the exam results. Candidates notified of successful exam results will be provided with a license number and the required form(s) to complete. Upon completion of the form(s) and payment of registration fees, your license will become effective.

REGARDING LICENSE RENEWAL AND CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS…

1. When do I renew my dental or dental hygiene license?  Renewal notices are mailed in April of each year with a deadline of June 30th for completion of the renewal process. Dentists renew in odd years; Hygienists renew in even years.
    
2. Why does the renewal form have to be notarized? State law requires that each license-holder who actively practices in this state or any other jurisdiction attest to his/her renewal information.
    
3. How many hours of Continuing Education are required? Dentists are required to complete at least 20 hours and dental hygienists are required to complete at least 15 hours of approved continuing education credits in the July 1-June 30th period preceding the renewal deadline.
    
4. Do I need to take a CPR course every year?
   Depends. Board Regulations require that licensees maintain CURRENT CPR, ACLS, or PALS certification. If the certification is effective for more than a one-year period, then no up-date is necessary until the certification expires. However, a copy of the current certification must be submitted each time you renew. In addition, any course taken, pursuant to NAC 631.173 subsection 3, must be taught by a certified instructor.
    
5. Can part of the C.E. hours be completed as home-study or computer courses?
   Yes. Up to six hours per renewal year may be completed as home-study. Also, attendance at business sessions of a dental or dental hygiene society may be counted for no more than 3 hours each year. Continuing education courses offered in addition to the business meetings may also be counted. CPR hours may not be included in satisfying the required credits.
    
6. What happens if my renewal is not completed by the deadline of June 30th?
   Renewals not received by the Board office by June 30th are AUTOMATICALLY SUSPENDED and a mandatory reinstatement fee of $200 is added to the renewal fee. Licenses on suspension are AUTOMATICALLY REVOKED twelve months after suspension if not reinstated.
    
7. Is it okay to wait for annual renewal in order to make an address change with the Board?
   Board regulations require that a license-holder notify the Board in writing of any change in his/her business or residence address within 30 days of the change. The Board may assess a penalty of $50 for violating this regulation.
    

REGARDING THE PRACTICE OF DENTISTRY AND DENTAL HYGIENE…

1. I am a dental hygienist holding a current Nevada license. How do I get a local anesthesia/nitrous-oxide analgesia permit?
   Dental hygienists who have completed an approved course in local anesthesia and/or nitrous-oxide analgesia may apply for a permit by credentials. Contact the Board office by telephone to request an application.
    
2. I am a Nevada licensed dentist. How do I obtain a permit to use conscious sedation or general anesthesia in my office?
   Dentists who have completed requirements for using conscious sedation and/or general anesthesia in the dental office, may apply for a permit. Site visits are required prior to issuance of the permit. See NAC 631.2211-NAC 631.2256 for complete details and requirements. Contact the Board office by telephone to request an application.
    
3. A patient with an outstanding balance on his/her account has requested a copy of their records. Can I withhold the records until the balance is paid in full?
   NO. NRS 629.061 mandates that health care practitioners provide a copy of all patient records when requested by the patient or the patient’s representative. The law does allow for a nominal charge for copying. However, records may not be withheld until the account is paid.
    

FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC…

1. I have a problem with my dentist. How do I lodge a complaint?
   Our office, the State Board of Dental Examiners, is charged with the authority of taking action against a dentist’s/dental hygienist’s license when he/she is found to be in violation of state law. Our authority does not extend to mediation or resolution of fee disputes. If you feel that a violation may have occurred, you may file a written narrative of the incident with the Board. A second option is to file a complaint with either the Northern Nevada Dental Society, Reno (775-337-0296) or the Southern Nevada Dental Society, Las Vegas (702-733-8700) for action by the local Peer Review Committee.
    
2. I am considering going to a new dentist. How can I find out more about his background? Although the Board does not make recommendations or referrals, you can inquire about a dentist you are considering. The office provides information by telephone on license status, dental school attended, and whether or not action has been taken against his/her license.
    
3. My dentist’s office has refused to give me a copy of my records. Is this legal?
   NO. Nevada law requires that health care practitioners provide a copy of patient records at the request of the patient or the patient’s representative. A nominal fee may be charged for copies, however, a dentist may not withhold records due to an outstanding balance. You may contact the Board office if you need assistance in obtaining your records.
    
4. My new dentist insists on taking x-rays and doing a complete oral examination, and all I really want is to get my teeth cleaned. Is this legal?
   A licensed dentist in this state is required to complete an oral examination prior to beginning treatment (including teeth cleaning) on a new patient.  The majority of dental offices in this state do require x-rays be taken along with the exam prior to beginning treatment on a new patient.  This type of policy ensures that a thorough diagnosis is obtained.  You have the right, of course, to seek treatment elsewhere if you disagree with office policy regarding x-rays.  However, the dentist has a professional obligation to provide treatment that he/she feels is in the best interests of the patient.  If the patient doesn’t cooperate, the dentist is under no obligation to proceed with treatment.  See Nevada Administrative Code (NAC) 631.210.