Public Health Programs and Special Endorsed Individuals
Public Health Programs recognized by the Board are designed to expand access to oral health services in underserved or vulnerable populations across Nevada. These programs operate under defined statutory and regulatory frameworks established by Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) Chapter 631 and Nevada Administrative Code (NAC) Chapter 631.
Dental hygienists who work in these programs must receive a Special Endorsement from the Board to practice in a public health setting without the direct supervision of a dentist.
This webpage outlines the program requirements, individual endorsement criteria, and how to apply.
Public Health Program Requirements
NRS 631.34583.5(b) defines Public Health Programs as programs administered by the Department of Health and Human Services, a health district, or a school district.
A Public Health Program must:
- Serve a target population that lacks regular access to oral healthcare, such as residents of rural areas, patients in community health centers, or individuals served by state-funded programs.
- Be formally approved by the Board following submission of a completed application and program protocols.
- Comply with infection control standards, scope of practice regulations, and all applicable public health laws.
Key requirements include:
- A detailed description of the populations served.
- Protocols for care, referral, emergency management, and infection control.
- Clear identification of endorsed individuals who will deliver services.
- Approval by the Board's Dental Hygiene, Dental Therapy, and EFDA Committee.
- Passing an Infection Control Inspection by a Board-approved inspector.
Once approved, Public Health Programs must operate in accordance with the protocols previously approved by the Board and submit future service locations to the Board by email or on the prescribed form.
Changes to the approved Public Health Program’s require a new application to be submitted for review. These changes include the following:
- New owners or leaders – if the program changes administrators or a new director takes over.
- Staff roster changes – any endorsed hygienist, dental therapist, or EFDA leaves or joins the team.
- New community partners – adding or updating agreements that let you treat patients in more places.
- More services offered – adding procedures that weren’t part of your original approval.
- Different sterilization plan or site – changing how or where you clean and sterilize instruments.
- New transport / storage methods – altering how dental equipment, X-ray units, or supplies are moved, stored, or secured.
Special Endorsement for Individuals
Per NRS 631.287 and NAC 631.210, a Special Endorsement is required for:
- Dental hygienists who wish to provide services in an approved Public Health Program without direct supervision.
- This endorsement ensures that professionals are working within the authorized scope of their license and are adhering to protocols approved by the Board.
Eligibility criteria include:
- A current and unrestricted license as a dental hygienist or dental therapist in Nevada.
- Active affiliation with a Board-approved Public Health Program.
- Submission of a completed Public Health Endorsed Individual Application.
- Approval by the Dental Hygiene, Dental Therapy, and EFDA Committee.
Endorsements are valid only while the individual remains actively engaged with the approved Public Health Program. A change in employment or program status requires reapplication or update.
Continued special endorsement with the same approved Public Health Program are communicated at the time of the renewal of the dental hygienist or dental therapist license.
Applications - How to Apply
Application Tips:
- Ensure all supporting documents and protocols are included before submission.
- Applications will be reviewed at scheduled Committee meetings in compliance with Nevada Open Meeting Law.
- Approved programs and endorsed individuals will be updated regularly on the Board’s website.
For additional questions, contact the Board at nsbde@dental.nv.gov.
Board Approved Public Health Programs
Board Approved Special Endorsed Individuals
Nevada State Dental Health Officer