By: Natalie Kaweckyj, LDA, RF, CDA, CDPMA, COA, COMSA, CPFDA, CRFDA, MADAA, BA
Are you looking to become a dental assistant or are moving as a current dental assistant? Make sure to check the dental assistant requirements in Nevada to see if you are still qualified in the state to practice.
Each state has different requirements for dental assistants, here are the levels, and functions permitted for dental assistants in NV.
Levels of Dental Assistants in Nevada
There is only one level of a dental assistant in NV:
1. Dental Assistant
A dental assistant in the state of Nevada may perform basic supportive dental procedures specified by the state dental practice act under the supervision of a licensed dentist or dental hygienist. There are no education or training requirements for this level of dental assisting.
A licensed dentist who owns a dental office or treatment facility must, on his or her application for license renewal, list the name and address of each dental assistant who assists in procedures for infection control, the date the dental assistant began to assist in infection control procedures, and a statement that each employee listed have received adequate instruction in infection control and is qualified to operate sterilization and other equipment and to perform all other applicable activities, in compliance with CDC guidelines.
Nevada Radiography Requirements
To legally operate dental x-ray equipment and perform dental radiographic procedures in Nevada, a dental assistant must meet the requirements:
- The Nevada State Board of Dental Examiners does not license dental assistants in radiation health, safety, and administration. Rather, each licensed dentist must, with his or her application for license renewal, include a certified statement containing the name and position of each dental assistant who assists in radiographic procedures, the date each dental assistant began to assist in radiographic procedures, and a statement attesting that each such dental assistant is qualified to operate radiographic equipment and has received all of the following:
- Adequate instruction in radiographic procedures, AND
- Training in CPR at least every two years while employed, AND
- A minimum of four hours of continuing education in infection control every two years while employed, AND
- Before commencing performance of radiographic procedures, a copy of the Nevada statutes and regulations governing dentistry.
Photo by Stephan Müller
