DENTAL HYGIENE SCOPE OF PRACTICE IN WYOMING

The following is a list of procedures that may be performed by a dental hygienist and the type of supervision required:

General Supervision- the dentist has authorized a dental hygienist to perform procedures for a patient of record but does not need to be present in the facility during the performance of those procedures.

1.    Community dental health activities.

2.    Functions that  are authorized for dental assistants set forth in rules or prescribed duties promulgated by the board.

3.    Scaling and polishing of teeth.

4.    Polishing amalgams and composites.

5.    Conduct screening examination of the oral cavity for oral disease.

6.    Placement of temporary fillings which require no removal of tooth structure.

7.    Root planing.

8.    Place and expose radiographs.

9.    Process radiographs.

10. Perform any related procedures required in the practice of the above duties.

Indirect Supervision- the dentist has authorized a dental hygienist to perform procedures for a patient of record and remains in the facility during the performance of those procedures.

1.    Place pit and fissure sealants.

Direct Supervision- the dentist has authorized a dental hygienist to perform procedures for a patient of record and must be present in the facility during the performance of those procedures and approves the work performed before dismissal of the patient.

1.    Preparing, placing, and removing periodontal packs.

2.    Removal of overhanging margins.

3.    Treatment of diagnosed dry socket.

4.    Treatment of diagnosed periocornitis.

5.    Expanded dental duties.

·         Administration of local anesthetics.

·         Administration and monitoring of nitrous oxide analgesia.

·         Any present licenses held for placing, carving and finishing amalgams and composites will be grandfathered in.