How to Become A Dental Assistant in Nevada
Nevada employs approximately 4,230 dental assistants according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $47,110 1. Nationally, dental assistant employment is projected to grow 6.4% from 2024 to 2034, with about 52,900 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a dental assistant in Nevada, including certification options, training programs, and salary data.
Quick Answers About Becoming A Dental Assistant in Nevada
How do I become a dental assistant in Nevada? Nevada requires credentials such as Dental Hygienist. The licensing authority is the Board of Dental Examiners 3. You also need to complete an approved training program or apprenticeship.
How long does it take? Typical requirements include approximately 18 years of experience 3.
Do I need a license in Nevada? Yes. Nevada has licensing or registration requirements for dental assistants. The Board of Dental Examiners oversees licensing 3. See the licensing section below for details.
What do dental assistants earn in Nevada? The median annual wage for dental assistants in Nevada is $47,110 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $36,870 and experienced professionals can earn $56,700 or more 1.
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school, community college, or apprenticeship
- Typical timeline: 1 to 5 years depending on the path
- Licensing authority: Board of Dental Examiners
- Median wage (Nevada): $47,110 per year 1
- Exam requirement: Both state and third-party exams required
Dental Assistant License Requirements in Nevada
The Board of Dental Examiners oversees dental assistant licensing in Nevada 3.
License Types
| License | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist | Applicants must: 1) Be at least 18 years old and of good moral character. 2) Be a U.S. citizen, or legally entitled to live and work in the U.S.. |
Additional Requirements
- Background check: Any conviction is prohibited
- Exam: Both state and third-party exams required
- Experience: Work experience required
License information sourced from CareerOneStop 4.
Dental Assistant Wages by Metro Area in Nevada
Dental Assistants Wages by Metro Area in Nevada
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025 OES data), dental assistants wages in Nevada vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas-Henderson-North Las Vegas | 3,080 | $46,890 | $45,060 | $36,870 | $55,450 |
| Reno | 790 | $48,400 | $48,570 | $37,820 | $60,930 |
| Carson City | 100 | $48,590 | $49,290 | $37,970 | $63,250 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Top Metros for Dental assistants in Nevada
The metropolitan areas listed below report the highest dental assistant employment within Nevada according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025).
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas-Henderson-North Las Vegas | 3,080 | $46,890 |
| Reno | 790 | $48,400 |
| Carson City | 100 | $48,590 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for dental assistants in Nevada? Nevada currently employs approximately 4,230 dental assistants 1. Nationally, dental assistant employment is projected to grow 6.4% from 2024 to 2034 2.
Can I work as a dental assistant in Nevada with an out-of-state license? Contact the Board of Dental Examiners for details on reciprocity and credential transfer.
What training programs are available in Nevada? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for accredited programs in Nevada.
How much do dental assistants earn in Nevada compared to the national average? The median annual wage for dental assistants in Nevada is $47,110, which is $190 below the national median of $47,300 according to BLS data 1.
Citations
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Board of Dental Examiners - Licensing Information: http://dental.nv.gov ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
CareerOneStop - Licensed Occupations: https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Training/find-licenses.aspx ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |