Dental Assistant in Nevada

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for NV. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$46,970

trending_down -0.7% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Nevada.

engineering

3,890

Jobs (NV)

monitoring Strong

+6.4%

10-yr job growth

schedule

Varies

Time to complete

route How to become a dental assistant in Nevada

In Nevada, basic dental assistants are not required to be licensed or certified by the Nevada State Board of Dental Examiners. However, all dental assistants must complete a board-approved infection control course. For those seeking to perform expanded functions, licensure as an Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA) is required. This typically involves specific education, such as graduating from an accredited dental assisting program with expanded functions or completing a training course, gaining relevant experience, and passing examinations administered by the Board and potentially the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $35,800

25th percentile $37,990

50th (median) $46,970

75th percentile $54,710

90th (experienced) $59,410

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Nevada. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Nevada requirements

Licensing body	Nevada State Board of Dental Examiners
State license	Not required
Education	Infection control course required for all assistants. Expanded functions require specific training and potentially graduation from an accredited program for dental assisting with expanded functions or completion of a training course and 2-4 years of full-time/part-time experience and DANB CDA certification.
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	4.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Nevada does not license basic dental assistants. However, all assistants must complete a board-approved infection control course. Expanded functions require specific training and licensure as an Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA). EFDAs must be at least 18 years of age, have a high school diploma or GED, and no felony convictions. EFDAs also need current CPR certification.

Source: Nevada State Board of Dental Examiners

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+6.4%

Faster than average

Annual openings

52,900

Nationwide per year

Total employment

381,900

Nationwide

neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -0.53/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

infoNo state license required — lower barrier but weaker signal
check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+6.4%)
check_circleLow AI disruption risk

psychology

Wondering if a dental assistant career is the right fit?

See what the day actually looks like, who the role suits, and who should skip it — grounded in real practitioner sources.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I become a dental assistant in Nevada? expand_more

The path to dental assistant licensure in Nevada: complete the required education (Infection control course required for all assistants. Expanded functions require specific training and potentially graduation from an accredited program for dental assisting with expanded functions or completion of a training course and 2-4 years of full-time/part-time experience and DANB CDA certification.).

Can I work as a dental assistant in Nevada without a license? expand_more

No state license is needed to work as a dental assistant in Nevada. Note: Nevada does not license basic dental assistants. However, all assistants must complete a board-approved infection control course. Expanded functions require specific training and licensure as an Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA). EFDAs must be at least 18 years of age, have a high school diploma or GED, and no felony convictions. EFDAs also need current CPR certification.

What do dental assistants earn in Nevada? expand_more

In Nevada, the median pay for dental assistants comes to $46,970/year. — within a few percent of the $47,300 national figure. New dental assistants start around $35,800; seasoned professionals can reach $59,410.

How long does it take to become a dental assistant in Nevada? expand_more

Expect to spend Varies from start to finish in Nevada — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.

How many CE hours do dental assistants need in Nevada? expand_more

License renewal in Nevada requires completing 4.0 hours of continuing education on a 2.0-year cycle.