How to Obtain a Dental License in Wyoming

Overview

This guide outlines all pathways to obtaining a dental license in Wyoming, as regulated by the Wyoming Board of Dental Examiners.

General Requirements for All Pathways

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must be of good moral character
• Must have graduated from a CODA-accredited dental school
• Must pass criminal background check
• Must have current CPR certification
• Must provide proof of identity and legal right to work in U.S.

Primary Pathways to Licensure

1. Traditional Licensure by Examination

Requirements:

• Pass the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) Parts I and II or the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE)
• Successfully complete one of these clinical examinations:
• Central Regional Dental Testing Service (CRDTS)
• Western Regional Examining Board (WREB)
• Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (CDCA)
• Southern Regional Testing Agency (SRTA)
• Council of Interstate Testing Agencies (CITA)
• Clinical examination must be completed within the past 5 years
• Submit official transcripts from dental school
• Pass Wyoming jurisprudence examination

2. Licensure by Credentials

Requirements:

• Hold current, valid, and unrestricted license in another state
• Have actively practiced for at least 5 years immediately preceding application
• Complete 1,000 hours of clinical practice per year for 5 years
• Pass Wyoming jurisprudence examination
• Provide verification of licensure from all states
• Submit proof of continuing education completion
• No disciplinary actions pending or in effect
• Provide documentation of malpractice history

3. Temporary Charitable License

Requirements:

• Hold current license in another state
• Provide verification of volunteer services
• Submit sponsoring organization information
• Practice limited to specific charitable event
• Valid for specific time period only

4. Dental Faculty License

Requirements:

• Be employed as faculty at Wyoming dental education program
• Hold current license in another state or country
• Submit verification from program director
• Pass Wyoming jurisprudence examination
• Practice limited to educational setting

Application Process

1. Initial Application

• Complete application through Wyoming Board of Dental Examiners
• Pay application fee ($300)
• Submit recent passport-style photograph
• Provide government-issued ID

1. Background Check Requirements

• Submit fingerprints through approved vendor
• Pay fingerprinting fee ($39)
• Complete state and federal background checks
• Submit background check authorization form

1. Required Documentation

• Official transcripts (sent directly from school)
• National Board scores
• Regional clinical examination scores
• License verifications from other states (if applicable)
• Proof of current CPR certification
• Practice history documentation (for credentials pathway)
• Professional references (3)

1. Wyoming Jurisprudence Examination

• Complete jurisprudence examination
• Minimum passing score of 75%
• Covers Wyoming dental laws and regulations

1. Board Review and License Issuance

• Board reviews completed application
• Issues license upon approval
• Receive license number and wall certificate

Maintaining Licensure

• Complete 30 hours of continuing education every 2 years
• Must include:
  • 2 hours infection control
  • 2 hours medical emergencies
  • 2 hours pain management/opioid prescribing (if prescribing)
• Maintain current CPR certification
• Renew license annually (December 31)
• Pay renewal fee ($185)
• Report any disciplinary actions or criminal convictions

Additional Requirements

• Register with Wyoming Prescription Drug Monitoring Program if prescribing controlled substances
• Maintain professional liability insurance (recommended)
• Display license in primary practice location
• Report address changes within 30 days

Sedation Permits

Minimal Sedation (Nitrous Oxide)

• Included in general license
• Must complete board-approved course

Moderate Sedation

• Additional permit required ($100)
• Complete approved training program
• Pass facility inspection
• Maintain ACLS certification
• Additional CE requirements

Deep Sedation/General Anesthesia

• Additional permit required ($200)
• Complete approved residency program
• Pass facility inspection
• Maintain ACLS certification
• Additional CE requirements

Contact Information

Wyoming Board of Dental Examiners
2001 Capitol Avenue, Room 104
Cheyenne, WY 82002
Phone: (307) 777-6529
Email: wyodental@wyo.gov
Website: https://dental.wyo.gov

Important Notes

• All fees are non-refundable
• Applications remain active for 6 months
• Incomplete applications returned after 90 days
• False information on application may result in license denial
• Processing times vary (typically 4-6 weeks)
• Requirements subject to change

Special Considerations

• Military spouses may be eligible for expedited processing
• Volunteer/charitable event permits available
• Mandatory reporting of impaired practitioners
• Required to report certain medical conditions
• Compliance with OSHA and CDC guidelines required

Emergency Temporary Permits

• Available during declared emergencies
• Must hold valid license in another state
• Limited duration based on emergency
• Practice restrictions may apply
• Expedited processing available

Professional Corporations

• Must register with Secretary of State
• Submit Articles of Incorporation
• Annual report required
• Maintain compliance with state laws
• Additional filing fees apply

Note: Requirements and processes may change. Always verify current requirements directly with the Wyoming Board of Dental Examiners.