Best Dental Assistant Schools in Wyoming

If you want to become a dental assistant in Wyoming, your first step is finding the right training program. The right school will prepare you for the skills, safety procedures, and patient interaction you'll need on the job.

You don't have to guess which programs are worth your time. Below, you'll find a list of Wyoming dental assistant schools, details on training requirements, and how to meet state expectations for working in a dental office.

What a Dental Assistant Does

Dental assistants handle both patient care and office tasks. On any given day, you might:

• Prepare patients for treatment
• Sterilize and set up instruments
• Assist the dentist during procedures
• Take and develop X-rays (if certified)
• Manage patient records and scheduling

In Wyoming, training in infection control, chairside procedures, and dental radiography is especially important because most employers expect you to handle both clinical and administrative duties.

Dental Assistant Requirements in Wyoming

In Wyoming, you can work as a dental assistant without a state license. However, additional certifications are required if you want to perform certain expanded functions, such as taking dental X-rays.

According to the Wyoming Board of Dental Examiners, to take dental radiographs you must complete a board-approved radiography course and pass the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam.

Typical steps to get started:

1. Complete a dental assisting program from an accredited school.
2. Get on-the-job training in a dental office.
3. Complete a radiation safety course if taking X-rays.
4. Pass the appropriate DANB certification exam.
5. Maintain CPR certification.

Top Dental Assistant Schools in Wyoming

Schools in Wyoming range from community colleges to technical institutes. Many programs can be finished in less than a year.

Laramie County Community College

LCCC offers a Dental Assisting Certificate Program with courses in dental sciences, infection control, chairside assisting, and dental radiography. The program includes a clinical externship in a real dental office so you can gain hands-on experience.

Western Wyoming Community College

Western's program combines classroom study with lab work and clinical rotations. You'll learn instrument sterilization, dental materials handling, patient communication, and basic office procedures.

Sheridan College

Sheridan College provides a certificate program with expanded functions training, preparing graduates for both chairside duties and radiography certification. Students work directly with dentists in local clinics during their externship block.

How to Choose the Right School

When comparing programs, ask:

• Is the program CODA-accredited (Commission on Dental Accreditation)?
• Does it prepare you for DANB exams?
• Are there clinical externships?
• What's the job placement rate for graduates?
• Are evening or part-time schedules available if needed?

It's also smart to visit the campus and see the lab facilities. Talking with current students can give you a sense of the program's workload and support.

Wyoming Dental Radiography Certification

If you plan to take dental X-rays, you'll need to follow Wyoming Board rules.

Requirements:

• Complete a Board-approved radiography course.
• Pass the DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam.
• Keep proof of completion and certification in the dental office where you work.

The Wyoming Board of Dental Examiners' rules can be reviewed at: https://dentistry.wyo.gov/

Tips for Getting Hired After Training

After you finish your program:

• Build a professional resume highlighting your skills and certifications.
• Get CPR certified - most employers require it.
• Ask your instructors for references.
• Apply to multiple dental offices and clinics.
• Be willing to start with entry-level duties and grow into expanded functions over time.

Knowing multiple aspects of dental assisting, including front-office skills, can make you more valuable to employers.

Next Step

The fastest way to start your dental assisting career in Wyoming is to choose a CODA-accredited program that fits your schedule. From there, follow the state's requirements for any additional certifications you need, especially for X-rays.

Contact the admissions office of the program you're interested in and ask about start dates, costs, and externship opportunities. The sooner you enroll, the sooner you can start working alongside a dental team.

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