034-7 Wyo. Code R. §§ 7-6 - Expanded Duties Permits

(a) Permit. To obtain an expanded duties permit, a dental hygienist shall meet educational standards, or pass an examination approved by the Board, or both. Applicant shall submit a completed application for each duty.

(b) Training Course Approval.

(i) Training programs shall be approved in advance in writing by the Board. All expanded duty courses must contain an examination or competency assessment. Due to the varied programs, individual courses shall require individual approval after course content is reviewed by the Board.

(ii) Applicant shall provide evidence of satisfactory completion of each expanded duties course.

(iii) An applicant for soft tissue laser shall complete and provide proof of training that covers a minimum of twelve (12) hours of laser physics, safety, and appropriate use, to include a hands-on component, didactic testing component and laser (hands on) assessment component, prior to applying for a permit. The training shall meet the following requirements:

(A) The course shall be provided or recognized by any of the following organizations (or successor organization):

(I) CODA accredited institution:

(II) ADA Continuing Education Recognition Program (CERP);

(III) The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) Program Approval for Continuing Education (PACE); or

(IV) The Academy of Laser Dentistry.

(B) The course must have a hands-on component and may not be online only.

(C) The course must also require the applicant to have completed a live and interactive training that addressed operations of the specific laser(s) utilized in the practice.

(iv) An in-person evaluation for an expanded duties permit may be required by the Board to ascertain the applicant's knowledge of the expanded duties that the applicant wishes to be permitted to perform.

(c) Expanded Duties. The following may be performed by a dental hygienist with an appropriate expanded duties permit:

(i) Administer local anesthetics via injection;

(ii) Administer and monitor nitrous oxide/oxygen; or

(iii) Use soft tissue lasers to provide tissue therapy within the dental hygienists scope of practice.

(A) All lasers must be used in accordance with accepted safety guidelines.

(B) When utilizing a laser, the dental hygienist shall document the following, at a minimum:

(I) Type of Laser, including wavelength;

(II) Settings used (pulse or continuous wavelength, power setting); and

(III) Procedure performed with details including size and location (Herpetic lesions, Aphthous Ulcers, Perio debridement).

Notes

034-7 Wyo. Code R. §§ 7-6

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.