Bill would remove five-year practice limit for dental-hygienist endorsements to boost access

Assemblywoman Heidi Kasama, sponsor of Assembly Bill 334, said the bill is intended to expand Nevada's dental hygiene workforce by removing a statutory requirement that an applicant have five years of practice immediately before seeking licensure by endorsement.

Paul Klein, who presented for the bill, told the committee that all 17 Nevada counties are designated dental health professional shortage areas and that Nevada's hygiene programs graduate far fewer hygienists than the state needs. "We have approximately 1,500 licensed hygienists in Nevada," Klein said, and noted that the national average of hygienists per population is higher than Nevada's.

Supporters including the Nevada Dental Hygienists Association, the Vegas Chamber and representatives of UNR and Touro University testified in favor, saying the change would create a one-way pathway for out-of-state hygienists to be licensed quickly in Nevada while the board of dental examiners retains oversight and eligibility checks.

Committee questions focused on whether applicants must be in good standing in their home state; presenters confirmed applicants would still need an eligible license from another state and must meet the board's application criteria.

No opposition testimony was recorded. The committee closed the hearing on AB334 without a vote in this session.

Why it matters: Sponsors said the change would help address workforce shortages and reduce patient wait times, particularly in rural areas.

What's next: The bill was heard and closed; it may be scheduled for future committee action.