Unrealized talent is hard to identify when you’ve built your life around a job, not a career.
As difficult as it might seem, it isn’t impossible to establish a career in the professional world, no matter your previous work experience.
You can help brighten smiles and build confidence today with a dental career.
Dental Specialists perform a variety of duties in a dental office. Their duties range from scheduling appointments to treating patients in dental health care and even more.
Although, training to enter the dental field can be a fulfilling or demanding experience for many students. Whether you want to work at the front of the office or directly with patients.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of dental assistants is projected to grow 19 percent from 2018 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations.
The aging population and ongoing research linking oral health and general health will continue to increase the demand for preventive dental services.
National averages may not accurately reflect workers’ earnings and employment opportunities in particular parts of the country.
They may include earners and employment opportunities at all stages of their careers and not just recent graduates’ entry-level wages and opportunities. Read on as we explore the dental schools in Las Vegas.
Qualities That Make A Good Dental Specialist
Dental specialists are on the front lines with patients every day, these qualities are essential to having a great career.
- A good listener.
- Have Compassion and a great calming presence.
- Perseverance: Be determined to do better in your career and you will go far.
- Have a sincere dedication to your career.
- Strong work ethic. Most times you might have to work for long hours with little or no rest, you should find this rewarding and energizing.
- Reliability: Be a reliable person, even to your patients.
- Have strong organizational skills
- The ability to Multitask
Top Dental Schools In Las Vegas
Here is a list of some of the top dental schools in Las Vegas.
UNLV School of Dental Medicine
The University Of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) is a minority-serving institution rich with diversity and committed to equity. UNLV provides access to world-class educational experiences that are responsive to the needs of students.
UNLV offers high-value, cutting-edge interdisciplinary physical and mental health care support, and aims at improving the lives of diverse students and transforming our communities through education and engagement.
UNLV School of Dental Medicine provides world-class oral health education while providing for the dental needs of Nevada residents.
Degree / Programs
- General Practice Residency
- Doctor of Philosophy – Oral Biology
- Doctor of Dental Medicine
- Master of Business Administration and Doctor of Dental Medicine (Dual Degree)
- Doctor of Dental Surgery
- Master of Science – Oral Biology
Orthodontics And Dentofacial Orthopedics
- Master of Science – Oral Biology
- Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry
And also Dental Programs in Continuing Education. View Admission Details.
Visit The Website.
Las Vegas Dental Assistant School – Charleston
Las Vegas Dental Assistant School was founded to allow students to become Dental Assistants while providing all the skills, training, and requirements needed to enter the local workforce.
Their dental assistant course has helped thousands of people start a new career in the dental field.
They help students graduate debt-free by offering affordable tuition and flexible payment plans.
Both online and hybrid courses are designed to prepare students to work in dental offices and to learn what it takes to become a dental assistant.
Las Vegas Dental Assistant School prepares students with all the skills they need using a proven curriculum taught by passionate and knowledgeable school instructors who are excited to help students succeed in the field.
They offer:
- -Hands-On and Online Learning
- -Convenient Schedule
- -Affordable Tuition
- -Experienced Staffs
- -Scrubs, Supplies & Materials Included and
- -Career Services
View Application details.
Visit The Website.
BDG Academy
BDG Academy was developed as a part of BDG Dental Services. BDG Dental Services was started by CEO Dr David Ting in 2002 with his first dental office in Las Vegas.
BDG Dental Services owns and operates 20 Dental Offices in Las Vegas, Southern California and Arizona.
Their programs emphasize hands-on training to prepare students for working in a dental office right after graduation.
They aim to attract and train highly motivated individuals with strong moral standards to be part of a unique rigorous program that will shape them into highly sought-after dental professionals.
BDG delivers the best instruction and learning opportunities in the industry. They promote, and support, continued education and employment opportunities with growth potential.
At BDG Academy you receive the technical training and practical hands-on learning required to begin a career in patient care.
Courses:
View Application details.
Visit The Website.
Las Vegas Institute For Advanced Dental Studies
LVI Global is an international institution dedicated to the progress of the dental profession through the integration of comprehensive diagnosis, contemporary techniques, and technology.
The continuing education offered at LVI is designed to improve the lives of patients and enhance professional satisfaction.
Course catalog:
- Core Continuum
- Foundations in Diagnosing and Treating Complex Cases
- -Core II/III: Aesthetic and Restorative Principles in The Physiologic Practice
- Core IV: Mastering all the Principles of Phase One
- Live Core V: Beginning of Physiologic Rehabilitation Case
- Live Core VI: Finalization of Physiologic Rehabilitation Case
- Practical Advanced TMD Practice
- Practical Advanced TMD Practice – Level I & II
- Sleep Continuum
- The Physiologic Approach to Treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
- Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMD) And Myofunctional Therapy
- Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMD) and Myofunctional Therapy
- Endodontics
- Orthodontics
- Beginners Orthodontics
- Full Face Orthodontics
- Physiologic Guided Orthodontics
- Hygiene
- Hygiene: Advanced Technologies
- Practical Hygiene Applications & Technologies Online Course
- Dentures/Implants
- Treating Ailing and Failing Teeth
- Implant Surgical and Restorative Fundamentals
- Orofacial Pain: Diagnosis And Management
- Orofacial Pain: Diagnosis and Management
- CBCT
- Head and Neck Anatomy and Evaluation (CBCT)
- Advanced CBCT Analysis
- Laser Treatment
- Laser Treatment in the TMD Practice
- Tethered Oral Tissue (TOT)
CLINICAL/ TRAINING COURSES:
- Advanced BioPAK Scan Interpretation
- Head and Neck Anatomy and Evaluation (CBCT)
- Advanced CBCT Analysis
- Mastering the BioPAK Training- Online Video Training
- Advanced Live Patient Adjustment Protocol
They also offer online courses. View Course Info and Registration here.
Visit The Website.
College of Southern Nevada
College of Southern Nevada a public college located in Las Vegas, Nevada offers programs in Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting.
These programs consist of classroom work, laboratory studies and hands-on clinical experiences.
Students are trained to perform supportive dental procedures specified by the Nevada State Dental Practice Act.
Students gain valuable work experience through clinical rotations and internship opportunities at the UNLV Dental School and residency programs, private dental offices and both community and public health clinics.
Graduates are eligible to take the Certified Dental Assistant exam. This exam is recognized by the American Dental Association and is facilitated through the Dental Assisting National Board.
Programs
Dental Hygiene Program:
Dental Science Program:
CSN Dental Assisting Program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation
Visit The Website.
Northwest Career College
Northwest Career College in Las Vegas, Nevada, was founded in 1997 as Northwest Massage School. This College offers degrees in Dental Assisting.
NCC Dental Assistant School is one of the most advanced in Las Vegas, offering students the chance to train under dental professionals in an expansive eight–operatory lab as well as online.
From contemporary digital x-ray training to hands-on externships, their Dental Assisting program is cutting-edge.
You can complete your Dental Assistant program and earn your diploma in as little as nine months.
Northwest’s Career Services team works with students to help them find the best Dental Assistant employment opportunity in Las Vegas that fits their needs.
Programs/Degrees:
Northwest Career College is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
Visit The Website.
Pima Medical Institute – Las Vegas
Pima Medical Institute in Las Vegas is an employee-owned, private, accredited medical career college.
Established in 1972, they focus on educating students to become career ready, focusing exclusively on healthcare professions, including medical, dental and veterinary fields.
Their curriculum includes certificate, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees and master’s degree programs.
Pima Medical Institute offers hybrid-learning options for several nine-month certificate programs, including Medical Assistant, Dental Assistant, Veterinary Assistant, Health Care Administration Certificate and Pharmacy Technician.
Hybrid students benefit from the same support students enrolled in on-campus programs receive, including support from student services, career services and more.
They offer Certificate Degree in Dental Assistant Program, and Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene. They also offer online programs
Visit The Website.
Carrington College – Las Vegas
Carrington College is located in Paradise, Nevada in the Las Vegas Area, with Qualified instructors who lead hands-on classes to give students real-world experience.
From Dental Assisting to Dental Hygiene, you’re certain to find the one that’s right for you.
They offer flexible learning options, fast-track learning, and career services to help graduates find jobs in their career fields.
At Carrington, there are different dental programs to choose from, so you can select the career path that best suits your personal and professional goals.
Carrington College’s Dental Assisting program trains students in all aspects of working with a dentist, including patient care, office, and laboratory duties.
Dental Programs include:
View Admission and Tuition details here.
Visit The Website.
Milan Institute – Las Vegas
Milan Institute helps students discover real potential by opening a path to careers with educational programs that require less than two-year commitments. Milan Institute offers a college atmosphere conducive to learning and individual growth.
For more than 35 years, Milan Institute and Milan Institute of Cosmetology have helped over 35,000 graduates.
They offer a variety of training programs in the healthcare, beauty, business, and massage fields. They offer Dental Assist Program.
Visit the Website to find out more.
Rosemary University Of Health Sciences
Roseman University of Health Sciences is committed to providing the highest quality education and clinical experiences.
Students of the College of Dental Medicine benefit from state-of-the-art educational and clinical facilities, which feature the latest in computer and multimedia technology.
If you’re seeking to begin your educational journey in dentistry or would like to continue your dental education, Roseman University covers this.
The dental programs offered by the College of Dental Medicine at Roseman University of Health Sciences offer an unparalleled learning environment.
Programs strive to improve the oral health of the public with special attention to individuals and families.
This is achieved by educating dentists, conducting education and clinical research, and providing community-based health services and healthcare leadership.
The CODM receives applications through the American Dental Education Association’s AADSAS service.
To obtain information on the application process, applicants are directed to review information on the AADSAS website.
Visit The Website.
Dental licensure:
According to the American Dental Association, every dentist must go through the licensure process at least once during their professional life. Find out how to obtain your license below.
The 3 Requirements For Licensure
In the U.S., licensure requirements are set by the State Dental Board, also known as the board of dental examiners or licensing board.
Although requirements vary from state to state, all dental licensure applicants must meet three basic requirements: educational, written examination, and clinical examination.
Review each state’s specific licensure requirements and contact information here.
Educational:
Nearly all states require a D.D.S. or D.M.D. degree from a university-based dental education program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
Written examination:
All U.S. licensing jurisdictions require licensure candidates to pass Part I and Part II of the written National Board Dental Examination (NBDE).
NBDE Part I and Part II are being discontinued and replaced by the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE).
The INBDE was developed in response to changes in educational curricula and instructional methods and launched on August 1, 2020. Learn more about the INBDE.
Clinical examination:
Candidates for dental licensure in most U.S. licensing jurisdictions are subject to a clinical examination requirement.
Most state boards of dentistry rely on regional testing agencies to administer a clinical examination.
While the American Dental Association recognizes and supports the state’s right to regulate dental licensure, it has adopted policies on licensure issues. Visit the Website to learn more.
FAQs
How Long Is the Dental Program In UNLV Dental School?
The dental school program at UNLV is a four-year full-program program.
This includes clinical and laboratory activities and practices. Find out more here.
Is Being A Dentist Worth It?
U.S. News & World Report ranks jobs yearly, and in 2021 dentistry came up as the No. 9 best job in the country and the No. 11 best paying career.
Dentistry has a high annual salary that keeps growing and an almost non-existent unemployment rate. Find out more here.
Does UNLV Dental School Do Implants?
At UNLV Dental School — Faculty Dental Practice, many private insurance plans are accepted, and incremental payments can be made for some procedures such as crowns, bridges, and implants. Find out more here.
How Hard Is It To Get Into Dental School?
The dental school admissions process is competitive and growing more difficult every year.
While the number of dental schools is consistently increasing, so too are the average GPAs and DAT scores of successful applicants. Find out more here.
Does UNLV Offer Dental Hygiene?
UNLV’s Health Sciences offers programs for clinical laboratory technicians, physical therapy assistants, dental hygienists, and nurses. Find out more here.
Conclusion:
Becoming a Dental specialist through a dental School lets you take advantage of a rapidly expanding job market by providing you with in-depth knowledge, advanced Dental training, and transferable soft skills.
This article contains a list of some of the reputable dental schools in Las Vegas, have a thorough review and make a good choice chasing that degree to help lives today. What are your thoughts about dental schools in Las Vegas?