Dental Assistant Schools in Nevada

Entering the dental assistant career as a Nevada resident is quite straightforward. In fact, one of the reasons the field remains so popular is that candidates can use this approach to settle nicely into a dental establishment before pursuing more advanced duties.

However, just because the steps to becoming a dental assistant are simple does not mean they are not absolutely important. Interested individuals must usually clearly understand all of these requirements before they start their journey.

To that end, we have provided an extensive resource below that analyzes everything an interested individual needs to know to launch a dental assistant career in Nevada.

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Nevada

The steps outlined below are typically required to become a thriving dental assistant in Nevada.

A High School Diploma or GED

Local community colleges and vocational schools in Nevada offer comprehensive dental assistant programs. However, candidates must have a high school diploma or GED to secure admission.

Training Arrangements

Individuals entering the dental assistant discipline in Nevada typically require two types of education to succeed. They include the following:

• Theoretical Education—By theoretical education, we mean the kind of education that is geared toward teaching students the theoretical principles and fundamental topics that a dental assistant is expected to know.

This way, candidates don’t get overwhelmed when they are asked to perform real-world duties, as they would already understand the basic principles behind these tasks.

• Practical Education: After theoretical education, candidates can apply what they have learned in a real-world laboratory or work environment. Dental assistant programs typically require internships or externships to ensure the highest level of preparation.

Certification & Employment

Certification is the next step after theoretical and practical education. Individuals who have graduated from an accredited training program will easily become Certified and enjoy the numerous benefits that come with it.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn how to become a plumber in Nevada

Licensure & Certification Requirements

To perform fundamental duties and secure entry-level employment as a dental assistant in Nevada, you do not need to register with the state or receive a license.

While the state does not require regular dental assistants to pursue certification, this is actually a very common approach, as it can help candidates stand out and improve their career prospects.

The Dental Assisting National Board is the primary authority on dental assistant certification in Nevada and nationwide. To become certified by the board, you must complete an accredited training program, apply for a specific credential, and pass the credentialing examinations.

Some common credentials to go for include Certified Dental Assistant, Certified Preventive Functions Dental Assistant, and Certified Orthodontic Assistant credentials.

Top Dental Assistant Schools in Nevada

Aspiring dental assistants in Nevada may attend any of the following programs to learn about dental assisting.

Explore dental assistant schools in Nevada by city:

• Dental assistant schools in Las Vegas

Salary & Career Outlook

A dental assistant in Nevada can expect to end the year with an average salary that aligns with the national average. This figure of $67,336 represents the median income of the majority of candidates in the state and is relevant to the median range of earners.

Of course, this naturally means that there are professionals who fall on either end of the range. The first group consists of those who fall on the less favorable side, requesting an annual average salary of $48,386. In contrast, the second group comprises those who fall on the more favorable side, earning an annual average salary that can reach as high as $93,706.

The less favorable earners are those who have yet to work on factors like experience, credentials, and location, while the higher earners have maximized these factors.

Concerning location, Reno holds the position of the highest-paying city for dental assistants in Nevada, with an annual average salary of $70,245. Also prominent are Nellis AFB and Sparks, where the annual average salary for dental assistants is $69,838 and $69,008, respectively.