034-7 Wyo. Code R. §§ 7-5 - Supervision of Procedures Performed by the Dental Hygienist

(a) General Supervision. The following procedures require general supervision:

(i) Community dental health activities which includes public health services at federally funded health centers and clinics; nursing homes; extended care facilities; home health agencies; group homes for the elderly, disabled and youth; public health offices; Women, Infants, and Children; Head Start programs; child development programs; early intervention programs; migrant work facilities; free clinics; health fairs; public and private schools; state and county correctional institutions; community school-based prevention programs; and public health vans.

(A) Public health services solely consist of prophylaxis, topical fluoride applications, oral health education, and dental screenings. These services can be provided by the hygienist without prior authorization of the dentist. All patients seen shall be referred to a dentist annually.

(B) The hygienist shall maintain a Collaboration Agreement with a Wyoming licensed dentist. The hygienist must have a current Wyoming dental hygienist license with a minimum of two (2) years clinical experience.

(ii) Duties authorized for dental assistants set forth in the Board Rules;

(iii) Root plane, scale and polish teeth;

(iv) Polish amalgams and composites;

(v) Screen the oral cavity for disease;

(vi) Place temporary fillings that require no removal of tooth structure;

(vii) Place, expose, and process radiographic images;

(viii) Place pit and fissure sealants and silver diamine fluoride; and

(ix) Apply subgingival topical anesthetic (i.e. Oraqix).

(b) Direct Supervision. The following procedures require direct supervision:

(i) Prepare, place, and remove periodontal packs;

(ii) Remove overhanging margins;

(iii) Treat diagnosed dry sockets;

(iv) Treat diagnosed pericoronitis;

(v) Perform whitening procedures; and

(vi) Perform expanded dental duties.

Notes

034-7 Wyo. Code R. §§ 7-5

Amended, Eff. 11/3/2015. Amended, Eff. 9/26/2017. Amended, Eff. 1/14/2022. Amended, Eff. 4/14/2023. Amended, Eff. 5/29/2024.