CHAPTER 4

 

DENTAL PRACTICE

 

 

Section 1. Authority. The Board is authorized under Wyoming Statutes 33-1-303(a)(iv), 33-15-108(h), and 33-15-130 to promulgate rules and regulations related to telemedicine and x-ray machine inspection procedures in Wyoming. 

 

 Section 2. Statement of Purpose. These Board Rules are adopted to implement the Board's authority to regulate the practice of dentistry in Wyoming.

 

 Section 3. Teledentistry.

 

(a) The practice of dentistry occurs where the patient is located. Where an existing dentist-patient relationship is not present, a licensee must take appropriate steps to establish a dentist-patient relationship in utilizing teledentistry services that is consistent with the prevailing standard of care.

 

 (b) Before rendering dental advice or care using teledentistry services, the licensee shall:

 

  (i) Verify and authenticate the location and to the extent possible, confirm the identity and contact information of the requesting patient.

 

  (ii) Disclose and validate the licensee's identity, credentials and contact information.

 

  (iii) Obtain appropriate written treatment consent from the requesting patient.

 

  (iv) Obtain patient's medical and dental health history.

 

  (v) Detail security measures taken as well as potential risks to privacy and the loss of information due to technical failures.

 

  (vi) Determine if the condition being diagnosed or treated is appropriate for teledentistry.

 

  (vii) Determine appropriate treatment and follow up care if needed.

 

 (c) Dental Records. Any dental record made through the use of teledentistry shall be consistent with the same record retention standards as a record made through a traditional, in person dental encounter.

 

 (d) Confidentiality. The licensee shall ensure that any electronic and digital communication used in the practice of teledentistry is secure to maintain the confidentiality of the patient's medical/dental information as required by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 including the retention and disposal of electronic and digital equipment and data.

 

 (e) Violation of any provision above shall be considered "unprofessional conduct" within the meaning of Chapter 9 and shall constitute grounds for disciplinary action by the Board.

 

 Section 4. Satellite Offices. Licensees using satellite offices shall ensure all offices maintain the appropriate standard of care.

 

 Section 5. Radiograph Use. Inspections of x-ray machines are required as follows:

 

 (a) Inspectors. Any individual who performs x-ray machine assembly, installation or service shall meet the following educational and experience requirements: 

 

  (i) Completion of a structured educational program that includes training in radiation machine safety, assembly, installation and service, including, but not limited to: 

 

   (A) A baccalaureate degree in electrical engineering with specialized training in radiation producing devices; 

 

   (B) A one-year associate degree in biomedical equipment repair; 

 

   (C) Equivalent manufacturer, military or other technical school training; and 

 

  (ii) At least six (6) months of supervised, documented training on inspection and calibration of the applicable x-ray machine.

 

 (b) Inspections. Inspections of x-ray equipment shall be conducted in accordance with relevant national standards. All machines shall be inspected at the time of installation and thereafter every five (5) years for x-ray machines and every three (3) years for computed tomography machines. 

 

 (c) Waiver. Licensees may be granted a six (6) month waiver to the inspection requirement at the discretion of the Board. 

 

 (d) Compliance and Documentation. Failure to abide with the requirements of this section shall be considered "unprofessional conduct" within the meaning of Chapter 9 and shall constitute grounds for disciplinary action by the Board.

 

  (i) Inspector should provide evidence for dentists to place on machines indicating the last inspection date and next inspection due date.

 

 

  (ii) Evidence of compliance to the Board is not required unless specifically requested. 

 

 Section 6. Use of Botulinum Toxin.

 

(a) The use of botulinum toxin is within the scope of practice of dentistry, as defined in W.S. 33-15-114. Dentists are allowed to utilize botulinum toxin for the treatment of temporomandibular disorders, myofascial pain, or other conditions affecting the oral cavity and adjacent tissues and structures. Dentists who choose to use botulinum toxin as part of their practice shall have obtained appropriate patient based hands-on training and have acquired the necessary knowledge, skills, and expertise to provide this service in a safe and efficacious manner. 

 

(b) Dentists who use botulinum toxin as part of their practice shall maintain documentation evidencing appropriate patient based hands-on training and shall provide documentation to the Board upon request. Non-patient based training is not acceptable.

 

(c) Dentists shall not use dermal fillers in their practice.