Nevada Dental Hygienist License 2026: Complete RDH Licensing Guide

How to Become a Registered Dental Hygienist in Nevada

Nevada — and the Las Vegas metro in particular — is one of the fastest-growing dental hygienist job markets in the Western United States. High population growth, a dense concentration of dental service organizations (DSOs), and a booming hospitality-workforce population that values cosmetic dentistry combine to create consistent demand. Here is a full guide to earning your Nevada RDH license.

Step 1: Complete an Accredited Dental Hygiene Program

Nevada requires graduation from a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program. Nevada's in-state CODA-accredited program is at the College of Southern Nevada (CSN) in Las Vegas, which offers an Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene. Northern Nevada candidates often attend programs in California, Arizona, or Utah. Online BSDH completion programs are widely used by working hygienists seeking advancement.

Both the ADDH (two years) and BSDH satisfy the Nevada State Board of Dental Examiners' educational requirement.

Step 2: Pass the NBDHE

All Nevada applicants must pass the 350-question National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) through the JCNDE. The examination fee is approximately $450. The NBDHE tests biomedical sciences, dental hygiene sciences, and case-based clinical reasoning. A passing score is required before Nevada will process your license application.

Step 3: Pass a Clinical Examination

Nevada accepts the following regional clinical examinations:

• WREB (Western Regional Examining Board) — the most common choice for Nevada candidates, with test sites across the Western states.
• ADEX (CDCA Dental Hygiene Examination) — also accepted for Nevada licensure.

Both assess live-patient periodontal instrumentation and clinical dental hygiene competency. Review the most current WREB candidate handbook for patient eligibility criteria and required procedures before scheduling.

Step 4: Apply for Your State License

Apply to the Nevada State Board of Dental Examiners. Required materials include:

• Completed application and fee (~$100–$150 for initial licensure)
• Official CODA-accredited program transcripts
• NBDHE passing score
• Clinical examination passing score
• Background check

Nevada RDH licenses are renewed biennially. The Board also processes endorsement applications for out-of-state hygienists with equivalent qualifications.

Continuing Education Requirements

Nevada has one of the higher CE requirements in the nation: 30 CE hours per two-year renewal cycle. Critically, Nevada mandates that a portion of these hours cover infection control (OSHA and CDCP standards). Confirm the current mandatory infection control hour requirement on the Board's website, as specific hour counts can change. The remaining hours may be earned through any ADA CERP-recognized provider, Nevada Dental Hygienists' Association events, or approved online platforms. CPR/BLS recertification is required by most employers and counts toward CE when completed through an approved provider.

Nevada Dental Hygienist Salary Ranges

Nevada — especially Las Vegas — offers above-average compensation for dental hygienists, driven by DSO competition for talent and the metro's strong economy.

• Entry-level (0–2 years): $60,000–$72,000/year
• Mid-career (3–7 years): $72,000–$86,000/year
• Experienced (8+ years): $86,000–$100,000/year
• Cosmetic/specialty practice: $95,000–$110,000+ in high-volume Las Vegas practices

Reno and Carson City run approximately 8–12% below Las Vegas rates. Las Vegas DSOs often offer sign-on bonuses, production bonuses, and full benefits packages that push total compensation well above base salary.

Top Employers for Dental Hygienists in Nevada

• Dental service organizations (DSOs) — Aspen Dental, Pacific Dental Services, Smile Brands, and Bright Now! Dental all have heavy Las Vegas footprints and regularly recruit hygienists.
• University Medical Center of Southern Nevada (UMC) — safety-net health system with dental clinic linkages.
• Nevada Health Centers — FQHC network operating across Nevada's shortage areas, including Las Vegas urban sites and rural communities.
• Renown Health (Reno) — regional health system with dental program affiliates.
• High-end cosmetic/implant practices — the Las Vegas Strip corridor and affluent Henderson/Summerlin communities support premium-service dental practices that pay top-tier hygienist wages.