Nevada Dental Practice Act: Scope, Definitions, and Board Authority
This section covers the statutory scope, key definitions, and Board authority tested in Nevada jurisprudence questions.
What NRS 631 controls
Nevada's Dental Practice Act, NRS 631, with regulations in NAC 631, defines who may practice dentistry and how the Nevada State Board of Dental Examiners regulates it. The Act defines dentistry broadly: diagnosing oral conditions, treatment planning, performing surgical or restorative procedures, prescribing drugs, and delegating tasks. Dental hygiene and dental assisting are separately defined and limited. Unlicensed practice is unlawful, and a licensee who aids unlicensed practice commits unprofessional conduct.
Board authority
The Board adopts regulations, approves schools and CE, issues and renews licenses, investigates complaints, and imposes discipline. It may inspect records and premises, subpoena witnesses, and act on violations of the Act or its regulations. Board rules carry the force of law, but the Board cannot expand statutory scope: delegation is permitted only where NRS 631 or NAC 631 authorizes it.
Worked example
A spa employee who is not licensed takes alginate impressions and pours models to make whitening trays. Taking impressions for a dental appliance is part of dentistry. Because no exemption applies and no dentist is supervising a legally authorized assistant, the conduct is unlicensed practice; the dentist who arranged it could also be disciplined for aiding unlicensed practice.
Traps
Do not assume that "the dentist said it was okay" creates authority. Scope comes from statute and regulation, not office policy. Also distinguish Board authority (licensure and discipline) from criminal enforcement; the Board can fine and suspend, while unlicensed practice may also be prosecuted. Read definitions carefully: a task can sound cosmetic yet still fall within "dentistry."