Journal Of Dental Hygiene[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
From Research to Practice.
Draper CK, Gurenlian JR
J Dent Hyg · 2022 Jun · PMID 35654567
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Role of Manual Dexterity on Mechanical and Chemotherapeutic Oral Hygiene Regimens.
Milleman K, Milleman J, Bosma ML … +5 more , McGuire JA, Sunkara A, DelSasso A, York T, Cecil AM
J Dent Hyg · 2022 Jun · PMID 35654566
Effective use of mechanical plaque control devices can depend on individual manual dexterity levels. The purpose of this component of a 12-week, virtually-supervised clinical trial was to investigate the role of manual d...
Effective use of mechanical plaque control devices can depend on individual manual dexterity levels. The purpose of this component of a 12-week, virtually-supervised clinical trial was to investigate the role of manual dexterity on clinical outcomes for gingivitis, as measured by the relationship between manual dexterity scores on the Purdue Pegboard Test (PPT) and the effects of various mechanical and chemotherapeutic oral hygiene regimens.This was a single-center, examiner blinded, randomized, four-treatment arm, parallel group, 12-week plaque and gingivitis study. At baseline, healthy adult volunteers with evidence of gingivitis were assessed for manual dexterity and were then examined for plaque, gingivitis and bleeding. After a dental prophylaxis, participants were randomized into four treatment groups: brush only (BO); brush/rinse (BR); brush/floss (BF); and brush/floss/rinse (BFR). The flossing groups received instruction in flossing. The PPT was used to assess manual dexterity and was performed by a licensed occupational therapist. Virtual supervision was required once each weekday and the oral hygiene regimen was unsupervised on evenings and weekends.Of the 213 subjects enrolled, 209 completed the trial. Improvements from baseline to week 12 in interproximal percent nonbleeding healthy sites (Expanded Bleeding Index (EBI)=0 and Modified Gingival Index (MGI)=0 or 1) were dependent on the participant's dexterity score. Participants with the lowest dexterity scores (9 or lower) in the BFR treatment group demonstrated the greatest improvement interproximally based on the indices (EBI and MGI). In comparison, the BF test group subjects with dexterity scores 9 or lower had limited change in improvement interproximally. There was a direct correlation between flossing effectiveness and dexterity scores.Less manual dexterity can limit dental flossing effectiveness. Flossing is a difficult daily task that requires functional bilateral dexterity to be perform correctly. Individuals with lower levels of manual dexterity were shown to benefit from the addition of an essential oil mouthrinse to a regimen of toothbrushing and flossing in this clinical trial. The addition of an essential oil mouthrinse improved interproximal gingival health and mitigated the manual dexterity variable.
Introduction to the Special Issue.
Lynch MC
J Dent Hyg · 2022 Jun · PMID 35654565
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Comparative Effectiveness of Toothbrushing, Flossing and Mouthrinse Regimens on Plaque and Gingivitis: A 12-week virtually supervised clinical trial.
Milleman J, Bosma ML, McGuire JA … +5 more , Sunkara A, McAdoo K, DelSasso A, Wills K, Milleman K
J Dent Hyg · 2022 Jun · PMID 35654564
Various mechanical and chemotherapeutic methods are used to control dental plaque accumulation and prevent or reduce gingivitis. The purpose of this 12-week clinical trial was to investigate the effects of various combin...
Various mechanical and chemotherapeutic methods are used to control dental plaque accumulation and prevent or reduce gingivitis. The purpose of this 12-week clinical trial was to investigate the effects of various combinations of supervised mechanical and chemotherapeutic regimens on the prevention and reduction of plaque, gingivitis, and gingival bleeding.Volunteers presenting with some evidence of gingivitis and no severe periodontitis were randomized into four groups: brush only (BO); brush/rinse (BR); brush/floss (BF); brush/floss/rinse (BFR) for this examiner-blinded clinical trial. Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss and a mouthrinse containing a fixed combination of four essential oils (EO) and training/instructions were provided to participants as per their assigned group. Participants performed their regimen at home, under virtual supervision, once each weekday; the second daily and weekend uses were unsupervised. Assessments included oral hard and soft tissue, plaque, gingivitis, and gingival bleeding (weeks 4, 12); probing depth and bleeding on probing (week 12).Of 213 enrolled participants, 209 completed the study. After 12 weeks, plaque, gingivitis, and gingival bleeding were significantly reduced in groups BR (35.8%, 50.8%, and 71.0% respectively, <0.001) and BFR (32.8%, 54.1%, and 78.2% respectively, <0.001) compared to BO. After 12 weeks, gingivitis and gingival bleeding were significantly reduced in the BF group (9.2%, =0.013 and 17.5%, =0.003, respectively), however there were no significant reductions in plaque in the BF group as compared to the BO group (=0.935).Oral care regimens that included a mouthrinse containing a fixed combination of four EOs (BR and BFR), demonstrated statistically significantly reduced plaque, gingivitis, and gingival bleeding as compared to BO and BF after 12 weeks. The BF regimen statistically significantly reduced gingivitis and gingival bleeding but did not statistically significantly reduce plaque compared to BO after 12 weeks.
Facilitating Advanced Research Skills Beyond the Undergraduate Dental Hygiene Curricula.
Theile CMW, Beall AL
J Dent Hyg · 2022 Apr · PMID 35418497
Dental hygiene educators play a key role in assisting students to make connections between research and clinical practice. A core course in research was redesigned with the goal of motivating and encouraging dental hygie...
Dental hygiene educators play a key role in assisting students to make connections between research and clinical practice. A core course in research was redesigned with the goal of motivating and encouraging dental hygiene students to advance research skills beyond the undergraduate dental hygiene curricula. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the redesigned course and the student outcomes as they relate to perceived barriers and motivation for future research in dental hygiene. A 25-item, electronic survey composed of 3 sets of Likert scaled questions was sent to a convenience sample of Bachelor of Science dental hygiene students (n=18) enrolled in the Introduction to Research Methods course at New York University. The survey explored students' perceptions of satisfaction with the learning strategies used as well as motivations and barriers toward future research. In addition to the survey, the final project, overall course grade and university end-of-course evaluations were examined to gain a comprehensive understanding of course effectiveness. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data. Of the 18 students invited to participate, 12 completed the course evaluation survey(n=12) for a 67% response rate. Results indicated that all respondents learned about the research process and an Institutional Review Board (IRB) proposal. Most respondents indicated interest in taking additional research courses and in conducting future research. While students indicated lack of time as a barrier toward pursuing research (41.7%), they valued the need for research in clinical care. The IRB proposal project mean score was 88.3 % and the overall mean grade was 89.5%. On a Likert scale range of 1 (low) - 5 (high), the university end-of-course evaluation indicated a 4.9 overall course satisfaction. Results from this pilot study reflected positive students' attitudes towards the redesigned learning modalities and indicated future plans for conducting research upon course completion.
Dental Hygiene Students' Perceptions Regarding the Importance of and Confidence with Using Brief Motivational Interviewing during HPV Patient Counseling.
Arnett MC, Evans MD, Stull C
J Dent Hyg · 2022 Apr · PMID 35418496
Human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted virus that has been identified in over two-thirds of all oropharyngeal cancers. Oral health care professionals play a key role in educating the public regarding HPV and...
Human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted virus that has been identified in over two-thirds of all oropharyngeal cancers. Oral health care professionals play a key role in educating the public regarding HPV and the role of vaccinations. The purpose of this study was to examine dental hygiene and dental therapy students' perceptions of the importance of and their confidence with applying brief motivational interviewing (BMI) during patient counseling regarding the human papilloma virus (HPV). A convenience sample of dental hygiene and dual degree dental hygiene/dental therapy students (n=32) participated in an enhanced BMI curriculum that included a 90-minute HPV BMI coaching and role-playing session on the use of eight MI strategies and the technique of elicit-provide-elicit. Questionnaires assessing participants' perceptions were disseminated at three time points; prior to the HPV BMI training (pre-test), immediately after the coaching and role-playing session (post-test 1) and after the participants had applied their HPV BMI skills during two patient interactions that included self-assessment and faculty feedback (post-test 2). All the students in the sample (n=32) completed the three questionnaires. While participants' perception of the importance of BMI increased for three of the eight strategies (pre-test to post-test 2), it was not statistically significant. Perceptions of confidence in applying of BMI increased for seven of the strategies (pre-test to post-test 1). Statistical significance was achieved for the "Use of the Importance Ruler" strategy (=0.003) from pretest to posttest 1 and pre-test to post-test 2 (=0.003). Results indicate that an enhanced HPV BMI coaching curriculum in addition and two HPV BMI sessions with patients is not enough training to retain confidence overtime. Future research should investigate strategies, such as additional coaching and role-playing sessions, for retaining confidence with applying BMI for HPV discussions during patient care.
The Effects of Self-Assessment on Clinical Competence in Dental Hygiene Education.
Casa-Levine C, Nappo-Dattoma L
J Dent Hyg · 2022 Apr · PMID 35418495
Accreditation standards require dental hygiene graduates to enter the profession with self-assessment skills and It is imperative for dental hygiene education to foster self-assessment skills throughout the curriculum. T...
Accreditation standards require dental hygiene graduates to enter the profession with self-assessment skills and It is imperative for dental hygiene education to foster self-assessment skills throughout the curriculum. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effect of self-assessment strategies on clinical competence in technical skill development and document student perspectives about the effects of participating in self-assessment activities. All students enrolled in a pre-clinical course (n=50) attended a baseline lecture introducing self-assessment. Throughout the semester students performed self-assessment activities, which consisted of reviewing recordings of their hands while demonstrating instrumentation principles. Students used a self-assessment form to evaluate their performance and provide a plan to improve their self-identified deficiencies. Scores for all competency exams were analyzed using Chi-square tests to determine whether there was a significant relationship between self-assessment and clinical competency. Scores on the final competency evaluation were compared to those from the previous academic year (control group) using descriptive statistics. A qualitative survey including items about clinical performance, deficiencies, preparedness, ability to learn autonomously, self-confidence, critical thinking, and active engagement in learning, was distributed to students who successfully completed the course. Chi-square analysis determined no statistical significance (p =0.39) in the technical skill development between student groups that were (n=50) and were not exposed (n=56) to self-assessment strategies. A total of 21 participants (44%) completed the survey at the end of the course. Results revealed heightened self-awareness and confidence, enhanced skill development, the significance of self-assessment, increased student engagement, and the desire for instructor feedback. While self-assessment did not impact clinical competency, it may be useful in fostering self-correction of instrumentation errors. Students felt participation in self-assessment activities helped to effectively evaluate their performance, improve skillset, increase engagement, and strengthen self-awareness, confidence, and critical thinking.
Experiences, Knowledge and Perceptions of Dental Hygienists, in the Treatment of Patients with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Simone CB, Smallidge DL, Libby L … +1 more , Vineyard J
J Dent Hyg · 2022 Apr · PMID 35418494
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that develops in individuals who have experienced a life-threatening event. Previous research has revealed patients diagnosed with PTSD are at increased...
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that develops in individuals who have experienced a life-threatening event. Previous research has revealed patients diagnosed with PTSD are at increased risk for temporomandibular disorders and dental anxiety. However, the knowledge level of dental hygienists (DHs), regarding PTSD, and their treatment modifications for these patients is unknown. This study sought to evaluate DHs' knowledge of PTSD, and to understand their approach to treating patients with this condition. Convenience and purposive sampling techniques were used to recruit actively practicing DHs via social media websites. Data was collected using a previously validated online survey, which assessed participants' knowledge of PTSD, and their approach to care for patients suffering from the condition. Descriptive statistics and a Spearman's Rho analysis were used to analyze the data. A total of 362 participants opened the survey for a 94% completion rate (n=342). Participants estimated that 15% of the adults they treated each week suffered from some form of PTSD. Overall, participants recognized that these patients were at moderate to high risk for dental anxiety (91.8%, n=313), and temporomandibular disorders (88.72%, n=33). However, most participants (58.4%, n=192) had not received any education regarding PTSD or how to care for patients with this condition. Results suggest that education on PTSD and its impact on oral health should be incorporated into the dental hygiene curriculum to better prepare graduates to care for this patient population. Continuing education courses should be developed to focus on the special needs of patients suffering from PTSD, so oral health care providers are able to recognize risk factors for the condition and develop effective treatment approaches for these patients.
Color-Blind Racial Attitudes in Practicing Dental Hygienists.
Ludwig EA, Tolle SL, Suedbeck JR
J Dent Hyg · 2022 Apr · PMID 35418493
Individuals who subscribe to a color-blind racial ideology may not be aware of differences or differential treatment based on race which may be related to racial inequality in the delivery of oral health care. The purpos...
Individuals who subscribe to a color-blind racial ideology may not be aware of differences or differential treatment based on race which may be related to racial inequality in the delivery of oral health care. The purpose of this study was to determine color-blind racial attitudes in a convenience sample of clinical dental hygienists. A convenience sample of practicing dental hygienists recruited through social media via snowball sampling was invited to participate in this cross-sectional survey study. The Color-Blind Racial Attitudes Scale (CoBRAS), a valid and reliable measuring instrument, was used to determine unawareness of racial attitudes and stereotyping. Three subscales (Racial Privilege, Institutional Discrimination, and Blatant Racial Issues) were measured by the survey. Descriptive statistics and separate one-way between-subjects ANOVA were used to analyze the data. Two-hundred and thirty-three (n = 233) dental hygienists in clinical practice completed the survey. ANOVA revealed statistically significant differences in overall CoBRAS scores when comparing age groups and ethnicities. Participants aged 18-29 had significantly lower overall CoBRAS scores compared to participants aged 60 and over (x = 49.41, x = 59.17, respectively; = .019). African American participants scored significantly lower on overall CoBRAS scores compared only to those in the Other ethnicity category (x = 42.27, x = 62.08, respectively; = .029). Participants possessed moderate levels of color-blindness, suggesting unawareness of racism and a need to understand the implications of racism as a means of promoting equity and improve oral health care delivery. Findings emphasize a need for more research examining color-blind ideology and how it affects oral health care delivery to diverse patient populations.
Effects of a Radiography Checklist on Reducing Retake Exposures.
Nenad MW
J Dent Hyg · 2022 Apr · PMID 35418492
Typically implemented as a safety measure, checklists can reduce risks and improve patient outcomes. Checklists have been widely used in medicine, but rarely applied to dentistry. The purpose of this replication study wa...
Typically implemented as a safety measure, checklists can reduce risks and improve patient outcomes. Checklists have been widely used in medicine, but rarely applied to dentistry. The purpose of this replication study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a dental radiography checklist intervention for improving the diagnostic value of bitewing images and reducing retake exposures. Two cohorts of dental hygiene students from programs in the same community college district participated in the mixed methods study; one as intervention group (n=22), the other as control group (n=23). The intervention group used a checklist each time bitewing images were acquired on manikins and live patients while the control group followed the usual protocol for image acquisition. Calibrated faculty evaluated all images and recorded whether images passed, failed, or required retakes. All participants completed a demographic survey at the study conclusion while the experimental group completed two additional surveys regarding perceived value of the checklist and intention to continue its use outside the educational setting. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. Image failure and retake rates were significantly lower in the experimental group on both manikins and live patients (p<0.001). The control group experienced a lower failure rate on patients versus manikins; however, overall retake rates were higher than the experimental group. While the retake rate improved among both groups from manikin to human exposures, the magnitude of change across groups did not differ (=0.992). Sensor placement was the most common cause for a failing image. Participants generally considered the checklist thorough and easy to use, however there was less agreement that it improved image quality or that they would continue its use outside the educational setting. A radiography checklist used in an educational setting was successful in reducing bitewing image failure and retake rates, thus benefiting patient safety with reduced radiation exposure.
A Review of Oral Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease: Considerations for dental hygiene practice.
Johnson LB, Oh U, Rothen M … +7 more , Sroussi HY, Dean DR, Lloid CM, Cintron K, Lee SJ, Cutler CS, Treister NS
J Dent Hyg · 2022 Apr · PMID 35418491
Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT), also known as stem cell or bone marrow transplantation, is a cellular therapy performed to treat a variety of malignant and non-malignant hematologic diseases. Chr...
Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT), also known as stem cell or bone marrow transplantation, is a cellular therapy performed to treat a variety of malignant and non-malignant hematologic diseases. Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) is a common immune-mediated complication of alloHCT that can affect various organs of the body, with approximately 70% of affected patients presenting with oral features. Oral manifestations of cGVHD include lichenoid lesions (diagnostic feature), erythema, pseudomembranous ulcerations, superficial mucoceles, salivary gland hypofunction, xerostomia, orofacial sclerosis, trismus, and increased sensitivity to spicy, acidic, hard, and crunchy foods. Patients with oral cGVHD are also at increased risk for developing secondary conditions, such as oral candidiasis, dental caries, and oral squamous cell carcinoma. Given these complex oral health challenges, the dental hygienist can play a key role in optimizing patients' oral health care from pre-stem cell transplantation through survivorship. Optimal care includes a comprehensive health history assessment, thorough extraoral and intraoral examinations, detailed hard and soft tissue evaluations, oral hygiene, and dietary assessment, along with the delivery of patient-centered, oral health instruction and preventive therapies. Appropriate monitoring and management of oral cGVHD require a collaborative care approach between dental, oncology, and oral medicine providers. As part of a multidisciplinary care team, dental hygienists play an important role in the management of patients with oral cGVHD. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of alloHCT and its oral health considerations, with a focus on oral cGVHD etiology, signs and symptoms, and management considerations for the dental team.
Are We Future Ready?
Amyot CCG, Theile CMW
J Dent Hyg · 2022 Apr · PMID 35418490
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Attitudes of Dental Hygiene and Nursing Students Following a Simulation Activity.
Reutter M, Alexander J
J Dent Hyg · 2022 Feb · PMID 35190496
Interprofessional education (IPE) activities assist health care professionals outside of dentistry learn about the importance of oral care and its connection to overall health, while also encouraging the integration of d...
Interprofessional education (IPE) activities assist health care professionals outside of dentistry learn about the importance of oral care and its connection to overall health, while also encouraging the integration of dental hygienists into primary health care teams. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a simulation activity on dental hygiene and nursing students' attitudes about interprofessional collaboration (IPC). Second-year dental hygiene (n=35) and nursing students (n=45) from a community college in the Midwestern United States were recruited to participate via e-mail. Participants completed an online module about oral care and ventilator-associated pneumonia followed by the Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC) Competency Self-Assessment Survey version 3 prior to participating in an IPE simulation activity. The IPEC survey measures two domains: interprofessional interaction and interprofessional values. Following the simulation activity, participants completed the survey again. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test compared pre/post-survey responses. A total of 61 students completed the pre-IPE survey (73%; dental hygiene: n= 29, nursing: n=32); and a total of 38 students (47%) completed the post-IPE survey. Ten post-IPE surveys were excluded in the final analysis (dental hygiene: n=15, nursing: n=13). A significant difference was found between pre-IPE and post-IPE scores for the interprofessional interaction domain (<.001). No difference was found for the interprofessional values domain (<.18) Participants had a high regard for IPC and their attitudes improved following the simulation activity. Open-ended responses indicated an increase in knowledge of the importance of IPC and a heightened awareness of professional roles and responsibilities. Interprofessional activities are needed across the health professions curricula to provide future collaboration and quality patient care.
Efficacy, Safety and Patient Preference of Knotted Floss Technique in Type II Gingival Embrasures.
Gomes AF, Rekhi A, Meru S … +1 more , Divakar P
J Dent Hyg · 2022 Feb · PMID 35190495
The purpose of this crossover clinical trial was to compare the changes in scores of plaque biofilm accumulation, gingival inflammation, gingival bleeding and gingival trauma in patients who used conventional flossing (C...
The purpose of this crossover clinical trial was to compare the changes in scores of plaque biofilm accumulation, gingival inflammation, gingival bleeding and gingival trauma in patients who used conventional flossing (CFt), knotted floss (KFt) and an interdental brush (IBt) for 6-weeks each in Type II gingival embrasures. Sixty healthy, tooth-brushing adults with at least one Type II gingival embrasure were randomly assigned to perform any of above interdental cleaning techniques in each phase of six weeks. Crossover to another technique was undertaken after washout of 2 weeks. Test-sites were scored at baseline, 3 and 6 weeks for Rustogi Modification of Navy Plaque Index (RMNPI), Modified Gingival Index (MGI), Modified Papillary Bleeding Index (MPBI), and Carter-Hanson scoring for gingival trauma. Acceptability of each technique was evaluated by subjects' responses to the post-trial questionnaire. Analysis of data showed a significant improvement in RMNPI, MGl and MPBI scores within all three groups over the time-period of 6-weeks from baseline. RMNPI and MGI scores were significantly more in the CFt group when compared to KFt and IBt and there was no difference in KFt and IBt. Additionally, no significant gingival trauma was recorded in any test group. Equal percentages of participants selected KFt or IBt for its ability to clean and preference to continue to use. Use of a KFt and IBt are statistically similar in safety and efficacy for reducing plaque biofilm accumulation, gingival inflammation, and bleeding in Type II gingival embrasures, when either is used as an interdental cleaning aid in conjunction with regular tooth-brushing. KFt and IBt demonstrated better efficacy than CFt.
Attitudes of Virginia Dental Hygienists Toward Dental Therapists.
Burns HM, Tolle SL, Ludwig EA … +1 more , Suedbeck JR
J Dent Hyg · 2022 Feb · PMID 35190494
The state of Virginia faces a reported dental health professional shortage affecting approximately half of its residents.The purpose of this study was to assess the opinions and attitudes of dental hygienists in Virginia...
The state of Virginia faces a reported dental health professional shortage affecting approximately half of its residents.The purpose of this study was to assess the opinions and attitudes of dental hygienists in Virginia toward a mid-level dental provider model, dental therapists (DTs), and to determine whether current education level and years of practice affected opinions regarding the education requirements for DTs. A 22-item questionnaire was distributed online to a convenience sample of Virginia dental hygienists (n=910). Items assessed attitudes of participants toward the DT using a seven-point Likert-type scale ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 7 (strongly agree). Participants were asked to provide demographic information and to respond to open-ended questions regarding potential advantages and/or disadvantages to DTs. Independent samples -tests and chi-square analyses were used to analyze the data. A response rate of 22% was obtained (n=200). Most respondents agreed a DT was needed in Virginia (M=5.78, <0.001) and supported the concept that dental therapy could be a solution to the problem of access to care issues in Virginia (M=5.97, <0.001). While most respondents agreed it was important for Virginia to adopt legislation for a dental therapy model (M=5.89, <0.001), most disagreed that DTs' practice should be restricted to acknowledged underserved areas in the state (M=3.19, <0.001). No significant association was found between years of practice and opinions toward education requirements for DTs; however, a significant association was found between current education level and opinions toward education requirements for DTs (Fisher's Exact Test=34.17, df=9, =.000, Cramer's V=.28). Results revealed Virginia dental hygienists had overwhelmingly positive attitudes toward DTs. Research with a larger sample could provide more insight into opinions of the Virginia dental hygienist population regarding this mid-level oral health care provider.
Disparities in Caregiver-Reported Dental Cavities and Toothaches Among Children in the Special Supplemental Nutrition for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program.
Claiborne DM, Chen C, Zhang Q
J Dent Hyg · 2022 Feb · PMID 35190493
Dental caries is prevalent among low-income and minority children despite oral health promotion programs. The purpose of this study was to examine disparities associated with caregiver-reported cavities and toothaches am...
Dental caries is prevalent among low-income and minority children despite oral health promotion programs. The purpose of this study was to examine disparities associated with caregiver-reported cavities and toothaches among children in the United States aged 2-4 years by their eligibility for and participation in the Special Supplemental Nutrition for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. A secondary data analysis was performed using the 2016 National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH) data on children aged 2-4 years (n=7,719) with complete WIC participation information. Three groups were formed based on WIC eligibility and participation status: WIC participants, income-eligible non-participants, and higher-income non-participants. Caregiver-reported cavities and toothaches were compared by WIC eligibility and participation using chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Among all children in the data set, 2,069 were WIC eligible, 49.8% of whom participated in WIC. Participants in WIC had higher reported cavities and toothaches (10.0% and 5.2%) than income-eligible, or higher-income non- WIC participating children (8.9% and 3.2%; 4.4% and 0.1%, respectively; < 0.001). However, non-Hispanic, white WIC participants, had a higher proportion of reported cavities (14.0%) and toothaches (8.2%) than income-eligible non-participants (6.7% and 1.9%, respectively; < 0.05). While non-Hispanic, black WIC participating children, had nearly 3.6 times more reported cavities than income-eligible nonparticipants (9.0% vs. 2.5%, < 0.05). Caregiver-reported cavities and toothaches varied by sociodemographic characteristics within WIC participation and eligibility groups. These findings suggest that more research is warranted to explore factors that are contributing to oral health disparities associated with WIC eligibility and participation.
Compassion Satisfaction, Compassion Fatigue, and Burnout among Dental Hygienists in the United States.
Knutt A, Boyd LD, Adams JL … +1 more , Vineyard J
J Dent Hyg · 2022 Feb · PMID 35190492
Compassion satisfaction allows for dental hygienists (DH) to grow professionally, but compassion fatigue can lead to burnout. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between compassion satisfaction (CS)...
Compassion satisfaction allows for dental hygienists (DH) to grow professionally, but compassion fatigue can lead to burnout. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between compassion satisfaction (CS), compassion fatigue (CF), burnout (BO), to demographics and work characteristics, including thoughts of leaving the profession, among clinical DHs in the United States. A cross-sectional survey research design was used with a non-probability sampling of clinical DHs (n=553) recruited via social media. Data collection consisted of demographics, work characteristics and the Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQoL) (version 5). Descriptive, correlation, and logistic regression analyses were used to assess the relationships among variables. Thematic analysis was conducted for the open-ended question. The survey completion rate was 99% (n=527). The mean number of hours worked and number of days per week was 30.6 and 3.8 respectively and, on average, participants had worked 19.3 years in clinical practice. Approximately 70% of respondents indicated thinking about leaving the profession in the next five years. Participants with thoughts about leaving the field had a lower CS score (<0.001), higher BO score (<0.001), and higher CF (<0.001) compared to those who had not thought about leaving the field. Age and years of experience positively correlated to CS and day per week worked negatively correlated to CF (<0.05). Compassion satisfaction appears to impact burnout and thoughts of leaving the dental hygiene profession. Findings suggest the need for further research to identify ways to prevent burnout and improve retention in the profession.
Employment Patterns of Dental Hygienists in the United States During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An update.
Morrissey RW, Gurenlian JR, Estrich CG … +7 more , Eldridge LA, Battrell A, Lynch A, Matthew M, Harrison B, Araujo MWB, Vujicic M
J Dent Hyg · 2022 Feb · PMID 35190491
Despite recovery in dental practices' patient volume, dentists in the United States (US) continue to report difficulties in hiring dental hygienists due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This study updates previous data on US de...
Despite recovery in dental practices' patient volume, dentists in the United States (US) continue to report difficulties in hiring dental hygienists due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This study updates previous data on US dental hygienists' employment patterns and attitudes concerning returning to work. Licensed dental hygienists were invited to participate in monthly web-based surveys between September 2020 and August 2021. Employment questions included current and pre-pandemic work status as well as reasons for not currently working as a clinical dental hygienist. Descriptive statistics were used to describe dental hygienists' employment status and reasons for not currently working. Cross tabulation analysis included employment status and reasons for not working by age group. As of August 2021, 4.9% (n=59) of the participants reported that they were not currently employed as a dental hygienist. Most reported that the reason for non-employment as a dental hygienist was voluntary (74.1%; n=43).Safety concerns for self and others were the primary reasons for not returning to work; participants also indicated retirement or that they no longer wished to practice due to the pandemic. However, the percentage of respondents citing insufficient childcare, wanting the COVID-19 vaccine but not obtaining it, and having an underlying health condition, decreased between the beginning and the conclusion of the study. A measurable degree of hesitancy among US dental hygienists to return to work has persisted over a year and a half into the pandemic and may continue despite some improvements in workplace safety and vaccine uptake. Future research should examine workforce levels after the pandemic resolves.
Infection Prevention and Control Practices of Dental Hygienists in the United States During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A longitudinal study.
Estrich CG, Gurenlian JR, Battrell A … +5 more , Lynch A, Mikkelsen M, Morrissey RW, Vujicic M, Araujo MWB
J Dent Hyg · 2022 Feb · PMID 35190490
The SARS-CoV-2 virus continues to mutate, and the COVID-19 pandemic remains a global health crisis. The purpose of this longitudinal study was to continue to analyze the use of infection prevention and control practices...
The SARS-CoV-2 virus continues to mutate, and the COVID-19 pandemic remains a global health crisis. The purpose of this longitudinal study was to continue to analyze the use of infection prevention and control practices (IPC) and personal protective equipment (PPE) by dental hygienists in the United States (US) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Web-based surveys on COVID-19 related health, IPC, and PPE were administered monthly to a panel of US licensed dental hygienists (n=6,976) from September 2020 to August 2021. Trends over time and predictors of IPC and PPE use were estimated using Stata 17.0 xt commands and multilevel multivariable logistic regression. Linear regression modeling for trends in time and tests for changes in trends were conducted (Joinpoint Regression Program, Version 4.9.0.0). Almost all practicing dental hygienists (99.9%, 14,926 observations) reported COVID-19 specific IPC in place at their primary dental practice. Consistently >96% of dental hygienists reported operatory disinfection and staff masking over the study period. Patient face masking and physical protections such as barriers or air filtration increased in use over time, then declined in spring 2021. Screening or interviewing patients before appointments, checking patient temperatures before treatment, checking staff temperatures at shift start, disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, and encouraging distance between patients were reported by >85% of respondents until March 2021, at which point significant decreases were observed. Wearing a mask or respirator and eye protection during patient care consistently rose over time from September 2020 (77.1%) to August 2021 (81.4%). Always wearing a N95 or equivalently protective respirators during aerosol generating procedures peaked in 2/2021 and declined thereafter. Dental practice setting, supply of respirators, COVID-19 vaccination, and COVID-19 community transmission level were significantly associated with IPC and PPE use. Most US dental hygienists reported always wearing masks and eye protection during patient care and a variety of IPC types have been instituted to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission in dental practice settings. However, the use of N95 or equivalent respirators and some additional IPC methods declined during 2021.
COVID-19 Vaccine Intention and Hesitancy of Dental Hygienists in the United States.
Gurenlian JR, Eldridge LA, Estrich CG … +6 more , Battrell A, Lynch A, Morrissey RW, Araujo MWB, Vujicic M, Mikkelsen M
J Dent Hyg · 2022 Feb · PMID 35190489
: Vaccinations represent an important public health tool for mitigating dangerous diseases; nevertheless, there is concern and hesitancy regarding vaccinations including those for COVID-19. The purpose of this study was...
: Vaccinations represent an important public health tool for mitigating dangerous diseases; nevertheless, there is concern and hesitancy regarding vaccinations including those for COVID-19. The purpose of this study was to determine the intentions and hesitancy among dental hygienists in the United States (US) toward COVID-19 vaccination.: Dental hygienists in the US were surveyed from 1/4/21 to 8/16/21 regarding their intentions to get vaccinated and whether they received a COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccination questions were part of an anonymous, ongoing longitudinal web-based survey of dental hygienists' employment and infection control trends. Willingness or actual COVID-19 vaccination versus vaccine hesitancy were analyzed by differences in demographic characteristics using multivariable logistic regression and X2 and Fisher's exact tests. Full COVID-19 vaccination rates in US dental hygienists rose sharply from 2/5/21 to 3/5/21 (26.0% to 53.9%) and leveled off to 75.4% by 8/30/21. The highest rates of vaccine hesitancy were among dental hygienists aged 26-39 years and those who had contracted COVID-19 during the time of the survey. The lowest vaccination hesitancy rates were seen among Non-Hispanic Asians and individuals 65+. When controlling for age, race/ethnicity, and years practiced, dental hygienists who had contracted COVID-19 had higher odds of being vaccine hesitant (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR): 1.847, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.274, 2.678). Having contracted COVID-19 was also associated with respondents changing from being hesitant to be vaccinated to being willing to be vaccinated (aOR: 4.071, 95% CI: 1.652, 10.030). Although vaccine acceptance is high among dental hygienists in the US, vaccine hesitancy remains an ongoing concern. Dental hygienists are key prevention specialists who should promote adherence to vaccination recommendations for the health of the public. Further education in virology, epidemiology, and vaccination education is recommended.
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