A dental assistant in Wyoming CAN do the following under direct supervision of the supervising dentist:
– A dental assistant in Wyoming can provide support to a dentist under the supervision of a properly licensed dentist.
– There are x-ray licensing requirements in Wyoming for dental assistants. These are (from the Dental Assisting National Board website):
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Successfully complete a CODA-accredited or Wyoming Board of Dental Examiners-approved course in radiography, or
- Have at least three years’ experience with a minimum of 1,000 hours per year in the last four years before July 1, 1990, and demonstrate proficiency, or
- Have been engaged in a course for radiologic technology, dental hygiene or dental assisting on July 1, 1990, and completed the course, or have completed a 24-month course in radiologic technology within two years before July 1, 1990, and can demonstrate proficiency, or
- Be licensed by other states or certifying groups whose requirements are at least as stringent as those set forth by these rules, or
- Pass a Wyoming Board-approved course of instruction or the national DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam, and
- Provide proof of satisfactory completion of a requirement, along with proof of lawful presence; both must be sent directly to the Board office prior to issuance of permit.
– Chart and inspect the mouth and teeth.
– Apply fluoride topically.
– Place a rubber dam.
– Take blood pressure, temperature and pulse.
– Give oral hygiene instructions.
A dental assistant in Wyoming CANNOT do the following:
– Remove stains and deposits from teeth (clean teeth).
– Place sealants on the teeth.
– Apply stainless steel crowns or fillings
– Repair or fill cavities.
– Give or administer anesthetics (shots).
– Any other activities or duties of dentistry that are specifically limited to dentists or dental hygenists.
Wyoming also offers a certificate in expanded duty dental assisting. For more information on the requirements, visit the Wyoming Board of Dentistry.
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