Steps to get licensed in Nevada
- Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program.
- Pass the NBDHE with a score of 75 or higher.
- Pass all required sections of the ADEX clinical exam.
- Hold current CPR certification from an in-person course.
- Send your application, National Practitioner Data Bank self-query, fingerprints, and verifications to the Nevada State Board of Dental Examiners.
- Pass the Nevada jurisprudence exam online after the board receives your application.
Board exams for Nevada licensure
Every state requires the written National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). For the hands-on clinical exam, Nevada accepts ADEX. Nevada doesn't accept CRDTS for initial licensure.
The American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX) exam. It was formerly given through CDCA-WREB-CITA, which included WREB and CITA.
Our dental hygiene board exam guide covers how the NBDHE works, how it's scored, and how to study.
Jurisprudence exam and local anesthesia
- Jurisprudence exam
- Required
Nevada requires a jurisprudence exam on its dental laws and rules for your first license. You take it after you apply.
- Local anesthesia
- Separate credential
Nevada issues a separate local anesthesia permit. Your school sends a Certification of Proficiency directly to the board. Out-of-state local anesthesia or nitrous permits don't transfer.
Moving to Nevada with a license from another state
Nevada isn't a member of the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact.
If you're already licensed in another state, ask the Nevada State Board of Dental Examiners about licensure by credentials (also called endorsement or reciprocity). Our guide to getting a dental hygiene license explains how it usually works.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to become a dental hygienist in Nevada?
About 3 years. BLS says dental hygiene programs usually take 3 years. ADEA puts the average associate degree program at 2 years, and most applicants finish prerequisite courses first. Of the 2 schools with dental hygiene programs in Nevada, 1 offers an associate degree and all offer a bachelor's degree. After you graduate, you pass the NBDHE, a clinical exam, and the jurisprudence exam, then the Nevada State Board of Dental Examiners reviews your application. Dental hygiene schools in Nevada
Can I transfer my dental hygiene license to Nevada?
Not automatically. Nevada isn't in the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact. If you're already licensed in another state, ask the Nevada State Board of Dental Examiners about licensure by credentials (also called endorsement or reciprocity). How to get a dental hygiene license
Does Nevada require a jurisprudence exam?
Yes. Nevada requires a jurisprudence exam on its dental laws and rules for your first license. You take it after you apply.
Can dental hygienists give local anesthesia in Nevada?
Nevada issues a separate local anesthesia permit. Your school sends a Certification of Proficiency directly to the board. Out-of-state local anesthesia or nitrous permits don't transfer.
Which clinical exams does Nevada accept?
Nevada accepts one clinical exam: ADEX. Nevada doesn't accept CRDTS for initial licensure. Dental hygiene board exam guide
Sources
Last verified August 31, 2026.
- dental.nv.gov /siteassets/applications--forms-links/initial-…
- dental.nv.gov /siteassets/applications--forms-links/la-n20-p…
- adextesting.org /adex-acceptance-map
Rules change. Confirm with the Nevada State Board of Dental Examiners before you rely on them. Official board site