Las Vegas Institute


 * This article is about the dental education institution. For the number identified by LVI, see fifty-six.

The Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies, or simply Las Vegas Institute (LVI) is a commercial dental enterprise whose stated purpose is the further education of dental professionals. The LVI does not confer academic degrees as it is not a part of an accredited, university-based dental school. It was founded in 1996 by Bill Dickerson. The 62,000 square foot (5,580 m²) institute itself is located in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Since its inception, LVI has become a well-known institution through its frequent advertisements in mainstream media such as television and magazines. More than 3,000 dentists have received training through LVI at their own cost. Dentists who have attended courses at LVI are then able, as "alumni" of LVI, to receive patient referrals through LVI's nationwide system of television advertisements and LVI-maintained dentist listings.

LVI focuses on functional cosmetic dental techniques, especially ones that, as is claimed in the institute's advertisements, are not taught in dental schools. Detractors of LVI argue that the principles and practices of modern cosmetic dentistry are taught extensively in accredited, university-based dental schools.