Wyoming Dental Practice Act Rulesand Regulations

Wyoming rules regulating dental practices require dentists to be licensed by the state board of dental examiners. The state board of dental examiners establishes the rules and regulations for dentists in Wyoming. The board promulgates high standards and high levels of proficiency for practicing dentists. The board holds dentists responsible for treating patients with respect, respecting both their individual needs and their right to privacy. Patients must also be kept fully informed and give their consent to any treatment performed by the dentist.

Licensing Requirements

• New dentists wishing to practice in Wyoming must obtain a license to practice dentistry in Wyoming. The state board of dental examiners establishes licensing requirements for dentists which include graduating from an accredited dental school, as well as achieving passing scores on any state or regional clinical licensing examination. A new dentist must show competency in the areas of endodontics, prosthodontics, periodontics and restorative dentistry. A candidate for licensing must also pass a background check.

  An experienced, practicing dentist moving to Wyoming from another state may obtain a license to practice in Wyoming by submitting proof of graduation from an accredited dental school, proof of passing scores in competency-based examinations, proof of a current dental license in another state and proof of at least 5,000 hours or five years of continued practice in that state. The dentist must also pass a background check

Dental Practice Requirements

• Under Wyoming regulations, dentists are held responsible for a high level of care and proficiency throughout their practice, whether procedures are performed by the dentist or auxiliaries working under the dentist's supervision. A dentist is responsible for keeping up with professional practices and standards within the profession. A dentist cannot engage in false advertising. If a dentist is suffering from an illness or disease that may affect the quality of care for patients, the state board of dental examiners must be notified.

Anesthesia Administration

• Under Wyoming rules and regulations, administrating anesthesia is highly regulated by the board of dental examiners. The rules cover the administration of general anesthesia, local anesthesia and nitrous oxide inhalation analgesia. A dentist must prove competency before given permission to administered general anesthesia. While administering general anesthesia, a dentist must practice appropriate patient care procedures, such as obtaining a patient's medical history, monitoring a patient's vital signs and keeping the patient under observation throughout the procedure. The state board of dental examiners must be satisfied that all rules and regulations are met prior to issuing a permit to allow a dentist to administer general anesthesia.

Code of Ethics

• Under the rules and regulations governing dentists in Wyoming, dentists have an obligation to keep patients informed in respect to proposed procedures and to allow patients to make their own decisions regarding treatment and possible options. Dentists must also maintain patient records and keep them confidential. Dentists are required, however, to make a patient's records available to the patient and other dental professionals upon request.

  Under Wyoming's dental practice rules, dentists are obligated to keep up-to-date with current practices and information. They are also obligated to seek consultation when additional or outside expertise is called for.