Job Description
Dental Hygienists work under the supervision of dentists to help people prevent tooth decay, gum disease and maintain oral health. They clean and polish teeth, noting conditions of decay and disease for diagnosis by a dentist. They also take and develop X-rays and may place, carve, and finish amalgam restorations, as well as place and finish composites and administer local anesthesia if they obtain an expanded function certificate.

Requirements
1.  Complete an American Dental Association-accredited dental hygiene program.
2.  Pass the written and clinical Central Regional Dental Testing Service (CRDTS) Examinations or Western Regional Examining Board (WREB).
3.  Pass the American Dental Association National Board Examination.
4.  Pass the State Board Jurisprudence Examination.
5.  Services must be performed under the supervision of a licensed dentist.
6.  Complete an Expanded Functions course previously endorsed by the Board (If an Expanded Functions Certificate is desired).

Restrictions
Qualifications fraudulently obtained.
Conviction of a felony.
Dishonest or illegal practice of dental hygiene.
Habitual addiction to drugs, including alcohol.

School Located in Wyoming
Sheridan College - Sheridan 
       Dental Hygiene
University of Wyoming - Laramie 
       Dental Hygiene
Laramie County Community College - Cheyenne 
       (Pre-Hygiene)

License
Dental Hygienists must be licensed by the State Board of Dental Examiners.

Examination
Hygienists take the Jurisprudence examination (given 30 days written notice) in the office of any Board Member, as he/she is available to administer the examination.  The CRDTS exam is given in May at Sheridan College and throughout the CRDTS region. WREB is administered throughout the WREB region.
 

Fees
Examinations	$130.00
Expanded Function Application	$  20.00
Licensure by Credentials	$200.00 plus PBIS fee
Annual Renewal	$ 85.00
Annual Renewal Expanded Function	$  10.00 per function

Licensing Agency
Debra Bridges, Occupational Licensing Administrator
Board of Dental Examiners
1800 Carey Avenue, 4th Floor
Cheyenne, Wyoming  82002
Phone: (307) 777-6529

Additional Sources of Information
National Dental Hygienists Association
5506 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Washington, DC  20015

American Dental Hygienists Association
Division of Professional Development
444 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 3400
Chicago, Illinois  60611

American Association of Public Health Dentistry
10619 Jousting Lane
Richmond, Virginia  20015

Occupational Outlook Handbook:
"Dental Hygienists"

Wages Last Updated June 2008


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