How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Nevada

Dentists in Nevada enjoy numerous employment opportunities, specialization options and high salaries. Several prestigious colleges across the state offer degrees for aspiring dentists. If you are interested in information on how to become a dentist in Nevada, the following guide will help you learn about the education, licensure requirements and the experience requirements for this field.

Becoming a dentist in Nevada, or any other state for that matter, would require a lot of time, effort and money investment. However, all this effort can be worth it, since dentists enjoy a high growth rate, job stability, consistent incomes and a relatively flexible work environment.
The following table outlines the main career requirements for dentists in Nevada.

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics

As per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, dentists in the US held nearly 155,000 jobs in 2018. The top employer of these professionals were the offices of dentists, which accounted for 74% of the dentists in the country. Nevada is home to 1,010 general dentists, employed in various healthcare centers across the state. Demand for these professionals is set to increase in Nevada and across the country due to an increased focus on oral health and hygiene. In addition, a surge in demand is expected for those who need dental implants and bridges or other complex dental treatments. Demand for dentists will vary according to location and specializations.

To become a dentist in Nevada, aspiring dentists will have to follow these steps:

1. 1. Complete a Bachelor’s Degree

Even though there is no major requirement at this stage, students are recommended to complete coursework in physics, chemistry and biology. This four-year long undergraduate degree is a prerequisite for admissions into dental schools in Nevada.

2. 2. Take the Dental Admissions Test (DAT)

This standardized test will determine the capabilities of a students in terms of dentistry along with their general medical aptitude. Most universities across the state use this test as a major determining factor in the admissions process. Other factors include undergraduate GPA, prerequisite courses, letters of recommendation and interviews.

3. 3. Complete a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD)

This is the minimum amount of education required to be eligible for licensure in Nevada. Make sure that the DDS or DMD degree you choose is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Typical coursework in this four year long program would include local anesthesia, periodontics, anatomy and oral diseases.

4. 4. Get Licensed

The state of Nevada requires dentists to be licensed to practice. The licensing process is regulated by the Nevada State Board of Dental Examiners. The board provides details on dental licensure applications of all kinds and for all specialties. Please visit the official website of the Nevada State Board of Dental Examiners for details.

4. 4. Consider a Specialization

Getting a specialization can open up new employment opportunities and provide higher salary benefits. In order to get a specialty license, dentists will have to complete additional education and training, followed by an additional licensure examination. Potential specialization options include becoming a prosthodontist, orthodontist or an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

Becoming a dentist can take around seven to fourteen years, depending on the kind of dentist you want to become and the educational path you take. To become a general dentist, you will need a four year long bachelor’s degree, and a four year long dental degree. If you go for a specialization, you will need an addition two to four years of education and training.

In order to become a dentist in Nevada, students have to fulfill certain requirements:

 

Dentists in Nevada made an annual mean income of $204,240 in 2019. This is substantially higher than the national mean income for general dentists. Income for dentists varied according to the industry of employment as well as the specialization. For instance, Residential Intellectual and Developmental Disability, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Facilities paid dentists the highest salary in the US.