How to Obtain a Dental License in Wyoming
The Wyoming Board of Dental Examiners is the regulatory authority responsible for licensing and overseeing dentists practicing in the state. Wyoming offers several licensing pathways to accommodate new graduates, experienced clinicians relocating from other states, dental educators, and dentists wishing to volunteer their services. Below is a comprehensive overview of each pathway, the application process, and what’s required to maintain your license in good standing.
General Requirements
All applicants must meet the following baseline criteria before a dental license can be issued, regardless of which pathway applies:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Be of good moral character
- Have graduated from a dental school accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)
- Pass a criminal background check
- Hold a current CPR certification
- Provide proof of identity and legal right to work in the United States
Pathways to Licensure
1. Traditional Licensure by Examination
This is the standard pathway for dentists who have recently completed their dental education and are entering the profession for the first time.
Requirements
Applicants must have passed the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) Parts I and II or the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE), and must have successfully completed one of the following board-accepted clinical examinations within the past five years: the Central Regional Dental Testing Service (CRDTS), the Western Regional Examining Board (WREB), the Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (CDCA), the Southern Regional Testing Agency (SRTA), or the Council of Interstate Testing Agencies (CITA).
Official transcripts from your dental school must be submitted directly from the institution, and applicants must pass the Wyoming Jurisprudence Examination, which covers state-specific dental laws and regulations.
2. Licensure by Credentials
This pathway is available to experienced dentists who hold an active license in another U.S. state and are seeking to relocate their practice to Wyoming.
Requirements
Applicants must hold a current, valid, and unrestricted dental license in another state with no disciplinary actions pending or in effect. You must have been actively practicing dentistry for at least five years immediately preceding the application, with a minimum of 1,000 clinical hours per year during that period. Applicants must also pass the Wyoming Jurisprudence Examination, submit verification of licensure from every state in which they’ve held a dental license, provide documentation of their malpractice history, and submit proof of continuing education completion.
3. Temporary Charitable License
This license is designed for dentists who wish to volunteer their services at a specific charitable event in Wyoming on a short-term basis.
Requirements
Applicants must hold a current, valid dental license in another U.S. state and provide verification of the volunteer services to be rendered, along with information about the sponsoring organization. This license is valid only for the specific charitable event for which it is issued and carries no authorization for general dental practice in Wyoming.
4. Dental Faculty License
The dental faculty license is intended for dentists employed as faculty members at a dental education program in Wyoming who wish to practice within that educational setting.
Requirements
Applicants must hold a current dental license in another U.S. state or country and must be employed at a Wyoming dental education program. Verification from the program director must be submitted as part of the application. This license restricts practice exclusively to the educational setting and does not authorize general dental practice in the state. Applicants must also pass the Wyoming Jurisprudence Examination.
Application Process
Getting Started
Begin by completing the application through the Wyoming Board of Dental Examiners and paying the application fee ($300). You’ll also need to submit a recent passport-style photograph and a government-issued ID.
Background Check
All applicants must submit fingerprints through an approved vendor and pay the associated fingerprinting fee ($39). Both state and federal background checks will be conducted, and a background check authorization form must be completed.
Required Documentation
Your application must be accompanied by the following supporting materials:
- Official transcripts sent directly from your dental school
- National Board Examination scores
- Regional clinical examination scores
- License verifications from any other states where you’ve held a dental license (if applicable)
- Proof of current CPR certification
- Practice history documentation (required for the credentials pathway)
- Three professional references
Wyoming Jurisprudence Examination
All applicants must pass the Wyoming Jurisprudence Examination with a minimum score of 75%. The examination covers Wyoming dental laws and regulations and must be completed before your license can be issued.
Final Steps
Once your completed application has been reviewed and approved by the Board, your license will be issued and you’ll receive your license number and wall certificate. Processing typically takes between four and six weeks.
Maintaining Your License
Wyoming dental licenses must be renewed annually by December 31st, with a renewal fee of $185. To remain in good standing, licensees must complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years, which must include 2 hours of infection control, 2 hours on medical emergencies, and — for those who prescribe controlled substances — 2 hours specifically covering pain management and opioid prescribing. A current CPR certification must be maintained throughout the renewal period.
Licensees are required to report any disciplinary actions or criminal convictions to the Board and must notify the Board of any address changes within 30 days.
Additional Requirements
Dentists who prescribe controlled substances must register with the Wyoming Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. While professional liability insurance is strongly recommended, all licensees must display their license at their primary practice location and comply with applicable OSHA and CDC guidelines. Dentists are also required to report certain medical conditions and any instances of impaired practitioners in accordance with the Board’s mandatory reporting requirements.
Sedation Permits
Minimal sedation using nitrous oxide is covered under the general dental license, provided the dentist completes a board-approved course. Dentists who wish to provide moderate sedation must obtain an additional permit ($100), which requires completion of an approved training program, a facility inspection, maintenance of ACLS certification, and ongoing continuing education specific to sedation. Those seeking to administer deep sedation or general anesthesia must obtain a separate permit ($200), which requires completion of an approved residency program along with the same inspection, certification, and continuing education requirements.
Special Considerations
Military Spouses: Spouses of active-duty military members may be eligible for expedited application processing. Contact the Board directly for details.
Emergency Temporary Permits: During declared emergencies, temporary permits may be available to dentists who hold a valid license in another state. These permits are limited in duration and may carry practice restrictions, but expedited processing is available.
Professional Corporations: Dentists practicing through a professional corporation must register with the Wyoming Secretary of State, submit Articles of Incorporation, file an annual report, and maintain compliance with all applicable state laws. Additional filing fees apply.
For the most current requirements, fees, and application materials, contact the Wyoming Board of Dental Examiners directly:
Wyoming Board of Dental Examiners 2001 Capitol Avenue, Room 104 Cheyenne, WY 82002 Phone: (307) 777-6529 Email: [email protected] Website: dental.wyo.gov