Journal Of Dental Hygiene[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Conducting a Systematic Review of the Literature.
Theile CM, Beall AL
J Dent Hyg · 2024 Apr · PMID 38649289
This overview of the systematic review provides guidance regarding how and when to use this approach to a research question. High quality systematic reviews are essential to assist health care practitioners keep current...
This overview of the systematic review provides guidance regarding how and when to use this approach to a research question. High quality systematic reviews are essential to assist health care practitioners keep current with the large and rapidly growing body of scientific evidence. The systematic review is a transparent and reproducible synthesis of all the available evidence on a clearly defined research question or topic. Key stages in conducting a systematic review include clarification of aims and methods in a protocol, finding all of the relevant research, data collection, quality assessments, synthesizing evidence, and interpreting the findings. This short report provides examples for the various stages and steps of the systematic review research approach.
Allied Dental Students' Perceived Knowledge, Confidence, and Attitudes Regarding Disaster Victim Identification Topics.
Vest SC, Bradshaw BT, Voelker MA … +3 more , Bruhn AM, Newcomb TL, Sikdar S
J Dent Hyg · 2024 Apr · PMID 38649288
Disaster victim identification (DVI) service requires knowledge, confidence, and an attitude (KCA) of readiness. The purpose of this study was to assess allied dental students' perceived KCA regarding DVI skills and topi...
Disaster victim identification (DVI) service requires knowledge, confidence, and an attitude (KCA) of readiness. The purpose of this study was to assess allied dental students' perceived KCA regarding DVI skills and topics. A convenience sample of senior dental hygiene students (n=27) and senior dental assistant students (n=14) were recruited by email then presented mismatched simulated antemortem (AM) and postmortem (PM) bitewing radiographs and asked to indicate correct matches. Collectively, participants made 205 radiographic matches and indicated 205 degrees of certainty binarily as "positive" or "possible" (one per match). Participants also completed a researcher designed pretest/posttest electronic survey with seven 3-point Likert-scale items with answer options of "slightly", "moderately", or "extremely" regarding self-perceived knowledge. Statistical analyses were conducted with R software using an α=0.05 significance level. A total of n=41 students participated, yielding a response rate of 85.4%. A one-sided linear trend test revealed statistically significant increases of perceived confidence in knowledge from pretest to posttest regarding forensic odontologists' role in DVI (<0.0001), DVI applications for mass fatality incidents (MFI) (<0.0001), role of dental radiology in DVI (<0.0001), and dental morphology applications for DVI (<0.0001). Participants indicated moderate or extreme confidence in personal clinical skillsets to assist forensic odontologists with DVI. A one-sided Fisher's exact test revealed a statistically significant (<0.05) positive association between expressed degree of certainty (confidence) and correct radiographic matches. A one-sided linear trend test revealed statistically significant (<0.0001) improvements in attitude regarding participants' perceived importance for their respective professions to volunteer in DVI. Participants of this study reported significant improvements of self-perceived KCA regarding DVI skills and topics. These characteristics may encourage allied dental professionals to pursue further DVI educational opportunities and future service when support is needed for MFI.
Oral and Oropharyngeal Cancers: Moving beyond awareness.
Draper CK
J Dent Hyg · 2024 Apr · PMID 38649287
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Update on Oral and Oropharyngeal Cancers: A guide for oral health care providers.
Johnson LB, Reznik AS, Villa A
J Dent Hyg · 2024 Apr · PMID 38649286
Oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) signs and symptoms may be first identified by dental hygienists during routine extra and intra-oral examinations. A comprehensive extra-oral and intra-oral examination during regular...
Oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) signs and symptoms may be first identified by dental hygienists during routine extra and intra-oral examinations. A comprehensive extra-oral and intra-oral examination during regular dental hygiene assessment is paramount to identifying oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD) and cancerous lesions for timely referral and treatment. Integrating a systematic list of questions during the medical and dental assessment along with careful visual and tactile examinations is critical to identifying OPMDs and cancerous lesions. Understanding the relationship between oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCC) and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and how vaccination can prevent HPV-related OPSCC is critical to providing evidence-based recommendations and care. The purpose of this report is to provide an update on current epidemiological trends of OSCC and OPSCC rates in the United States (US) and provide the latest evidence on what dental hygienists must know to improve health outcomes and mitigate the consequences of undiagnosed cancer. This report considers enduring challenges with the annual rise in OPSCC rates and the public health burden of HPV-related cancers in the US. Emphasis on regular, quality continuing education about OSCC and OPSCC is emphasized along with recommendations for evidence-based training.
A Protocol for Treating Patients with Post-Covid Conditions in Dental Settings.
Lelesi PJ, Bono L, Gurenlian JR
J Dent Hyg · 2024 Apr · PMID 38649285
The relative newness of Post-COVID Conditions (PCC) has revealed a void in assessment protocols and treatment guidelines for dental settings. Providing oral health care practitioners with an assessment and treatment prot...
The relative newness of Post-COVID Conditions (PCC) has revealed a void in assessment protocols and treatment guidelines for dental settings. Providing oral health care practitioners with an assessment and treatment protocol could facilitate the delivery of comprehensive oral health care. The purpose of this study was to test a protocol for assessing and treating patients with PCC in dental practice settings. A qualitative exploratory research design was used to conduct the study. A PCC assessment and treatment protocol (ATP) was developed and was used by dental hygienists in clinical practice in California for a period of 6 weeks. Following the use of the PCC ATP practitioners were invited to participate in individual interviews. Online individual interviews were comprised of 20 dental hygienists recruited via purposive sampling. Participant anonymity was preserved using pseudonyms. A qualitative analysis software program was used to identify codes and themes. Investigator triangulation, member checks, and saturation were used to validate responses. Fifty-six participants completed the six-week PCC ATP and twenty participants took part in the interview session. Four themes were identified: awareness, accessibility, resources, and complications. Within the accessibility theme, subthemes of ease of use and guidance emerged. The complications theme yielded three subthemes: time, clinician hesitation, and patient lack of cooperation. This study demonstrated that a PCC ATP created awareness of the varied symptoms of PCC and is a useful resource for clinical practitioners. Providing dental hygienists with a treatment protocol supports efforts to provide person-centered evidence-based care.
Exploring Students' Compassion Outcomes within a Dental School's Tobacco Treatment Training Program: A pilot study.
Wiener RC, Gaydos S
J Dent Hyg · 2024 Feb · PMID 38346899
It has been suggested that compassion may decrease as students progress through their health care education and into clinical practice. The purpose of this pilot study was to determine whether an immersive curriculum thr...
It has been suggested that compassion may decrease as students progress through their health care education and into clinical practice. The purpose of this pilot study was to determine whether an immersive curriculum thread of tobacco use disorder (TUD) cessation methodology, including behavioral techniques and communication skills, was associated with any change in dental hygiene and dental students perceived levels of compassion. Dental hygiene (DH) and dental (DS) students (n=300) who had experienced an immersive TUD curriculum from West Virginia University were invited to complete the Sussex-Oxford Compassion Scale-Toward Others (SOC-O) online survey during the academic years 2022-2023. Possible scores on the SOC-O ranged from 20 (no or low compassion) to 100 (high compassion). The SOC-O scores for students who did not have clinical experience and limited TUD content (first- and second-year DH and DS students) were compared with SOC-O scores of students who had clinically applied the immersive tobacco cessation curriculum thread (third and fourth year DH and DS students) using t-tests. A total of seventy DH and DS students completed the SOC-O survey for a response rate of 23.3%. The overall mean SOC-O score was 83.0 for participants who lacked clinical experience (DH1, DH2, DS1, DS2) and 85.8 for participants with clinical experience using the TUD content (DH3, DH4, DS3, DS4) ( >0.05). For the SOC-O subscale analysis, both groups were similar in the recognition of suffering, universality of suffering, empathy/compassion for a person suffering, tolerance of uncomfortable feelings, and action/motivation to act to alleviate suffering. A high level of perceived compassion among dental hygiene and dental students was associated with an immersive behavioral sciences curriculum thread for the assessment/treatment of TUD. Perceived levels of compassion were maintained for participants with and without clinical experience. Additional focus on compassion philosophy research within educational methodology is needed to maintain and improve compassion outcomes in the health care professions.
Dental Hygiene Students' Knowledge, Understanding and Intended Use of Caries Preventive Regimens and Community Water Fluoridation.
Horowitz AM, Maybury C, Clough SR … +2 more , Wang MQ, Kleinman DV
J Dent Hyg · 2024 Feb · PMID 38346898
The purpose of this study was to determine dental hygiene students' perspectives regarding their knowledge and understanding about caries prevention strategies and their intention to use these regimens in clinical practi...
The purpose of this study was to determine dental hygiene students' perspectives regarding their knowledge and understanding about caries prevention strategies and their intention to use these regimens in clinical practice. Dental hygienists' knowledge and understanding of caries prevention is critical because they are the primary providers of these regimens and the relevant education. This 2019 national cross-sectional online survey was designed by the University of Maryland (UMD), structured by the ADA staff for online administration, distributed and collected by the American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) to 9533 email addresses, and de-identified response data were analyzed by UMD. The survey included questions on three caries preventive regimens: fluoride varnish, dental sealants, and silver diamine fluoride (SDF), and items on community water fluoridation (CWF), respondent's demographics and intent to use the regimens. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics and analysis of variance. Significance was set at <0.05. Of the 235 surveys returned (response rate 2.5%) the majority were female, White and born in the United States. Over half were in associate degree programs; nearly a third were in baccalaureate programs. Respondents reported greater knowledge/understanding and intention to use fluoride varnish and dental sealants than SDF. Less than half (44.7%) reported knowledge/understanding of SDF and only 22.6% had a high level of confidence regarding applying it. Additionally, only 31.1% indicated they were extremely likely to use SDF upon graduation. To reduce the prevalence of caries, dental hygiene graduates must be well-versed with the latest science-based preventive procedures, including non-invasive caries prevention and control therapies. The results of this survey, albeit non representative of the general population of dental hygiene students, suggest a need for a more extensive review of the caries preventive regimen content, especially for silver diamine fluoride, of dental hygiene curricular programs.
The Importance of Family Oral Health Education in Promoting Children's Oral Health.
McKinney DC, Sullivan M
J Dent Hyg · 2024 Feb · PMID 38346897
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Aerosol Generating Procedures and Associated Control/Mitigation Measures: A position paper from the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association and the American Dental Hygienists' Association.
Ghoneim A, Proaño D, Kaur H … +1 more , Singhal S
J Dent Hyg · 2024 Feb · PMID 38346896
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, how to reduce the risk of spreading viruses and other microorganisms while performing aerosol generating procedures (AGPs) has become a challenging question within the dental and dental hy...
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, how to reduce the risk of spreading viruses and other microorganisms while performing aerosol generating procedures (AGPs) has become a challenging question within the dental and dental hygiene communities. The purpose of this position paper is to summarize the existing evidence about the effectiveness of various mitigation methods used to reduce the risk of infection transmission during AGPs in dentistry. The authors searched six databases, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar, for relevant scientific evidence published in the last ten years (January 2012 to December 2022) to answer six research questions about the the aspects of risk of transmission, methods, devices, and personal protective equipment (PPE) used to reduce contact with microbial pathogens and limit the spread of aerosols. A total of 78 studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria. There was limited literature to indicate the risk of infection transmission of SARS-CoV-2 between dental hygienists and their patients. A number of mouthrinses are effective in reducing bacterial contaminations in aerosols; however, their effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2 was limited. The combined use of eyewear, masks, and face shields are effective for the prevention of contamination of the facial and nasal region, while performing AGPs. High volume evacuation with or without an intraoral suction, low volume evacuation, saliva ejector, and rubber dam (when appropriate) have shown effectiveness in reducing aerosol transmission beyond the generation site. Finally, the appropriate combination of ventilation and filtration in dental operatories are effective in limiting the spread of aerosols. Aerosols produced during clinical procedures can potentially pose a risk of infection transmission between dental hygienists and their patients. The implementation of practices supported by available evidence are best practices to ensure patient and provider safety in oral health settings. More studies in dental clinical environment would shape future practices and protocols, ultimately to ensure safe clinical care delivery.
Narrative Reviews of the Literature: An overview.
Theile CM, Beall AL
J Dent Hyg · 2024 Feb · PMID 38346895
This short report guides the reader through the types of narrative reviews and describes the narrative review process from conception to completion. This report is an overview on the topic of literature reviews and serve...
This short report guides the reader through the types of narrative reviews and describes the narrative review process from conception to completion. This report is an overview on the topic of literature reviews and serves to provide guidance regarding how and when to use a narrative review approach. Authors have many purposes for selecting the narrative review of the literature including introducing an original research manuscript, reviewing a critical topic for a scholarly journal, creating an introductory chapter for a thesis, or completing a classroom assignment. Each purpose may include a specific format and may require different components to be included in the research and writing process. This short report provides examples for each section of the narrative review research and writing process.
Kansas Extended Care Permit III Providers: A descriptive study.
Holt LA, VanMeter TR, Simmer-Beck ML … +2 more , Austin KJ, Scott JM
J Dent Hyg · 2023 Dec · PMID 38061810
Forty-two states to date have passed legislation to expanded the role of dental hygienists for improved access to basic oral health services for underserved populations. Recent legislative changes in the state of Kansas...
Forty-two states to date have passed legislation to expanded the role of dental hygienists for improved access to basic oral health services for underserved populations. Recent legislative changes in the state of Kansas have created the Extended Care Permit (ECP) I, II, and III designations. The purpose of this study was to examine the experiences of registered dental hygienists in Kansas holding ECP III certificates. Secondary data analysis was performed utilizing data collected from an ECP provider survey conducted in 2021. Dental hygienists in Kansas holding an Extended Care Permit III (n=88) were sent a 39-item electronic survey and informed consent was obtained prior to beginning the survey. Descriptive data analyses consisted of frequency distributions and percentages. Inferential data analysis consisted of Fisher's Exact and Chi-Square tests to evaluate associations between ECP III demographics, practice characteristics, and services provided. A total of 22 responses were received for a 25% response rate. The majority of the respondents (77%) were employed by a Safety Net Clinic. The practice settings reporting the highest percentage of ECP III services during the period of data collection were school-based settings, using portable equipment (68%). No associations were found between ECP III personal and practice characteristics and the provision of services specific to the ECP III permit. Results suggest that a low percentage of ECP III permit holders are providing ECP III-specific services. Considering these findings and the outcomes of previous studies, there is speculation that barriers continue to exist that prevent permit holders from performing ECP III-specific services and providing dental hygiene services to the fullest extent of an ECP license.
Effects of Social Media on Consumer Information Seeking and Purchase Intention of Oral Health Care Products Among Adults.
Massie MS, Boyd LD, Mullikin CL … +1 more , Vineyard J
J Dent Hyg · 2023 Dec · PMID 38061809
Social media has created an environment providing readily available information that impacts how individuals seek information and make product decisions. The purpose of this study was to examine adult consumer use of soc...
Social media has created an environment providing readily available information that impacts how individuals seek information and make product decisions. The purpose of this study was to examine adult consumer use of social media for information seeking and the effect on intention to purchase oral health care products. A cross-sectional study design with a non-probability sample of adult consumers recruited through crowdsourcing with Amazon's Mechanical Turk (MTurk) was used to examine the effect of social media on purchasing of oral health products. Data collection included demographic, social media use, and the Information Acceptance Model (IACM) which measured information acceptance from friends and customer reviews from social media. Descriptive statistics, subgroup analysis of demographic variables, and multivariable linear regression were used to assess the relationship among variables. Participants (n=308) were mostly males (56.2%), average age 37 years, held bachelor's degrees (68.8%), from the southern United States, and had been to the dentist within the last two years (72.8%). Instagram (40.6%) was the most frequently used platform and social media was frequently used (36.7%) to obtain information on oral health care products. Findings from the IACM information subscale indicated high scores for information from friends and customer reviews (<0.01). The information needs (=0.049) and information adoption from friends (=0.03) were slightly less for females when compared to males. Friends' recommendations (=0.02) on social media had the greatest effect on intention to purchase among participants living in the Midwest. Multivariate regression models indicated information usefulness and information adoption had the greatest influence on purchase intention from friends (<0.001), while information credibility, information usefulness, and information adoption had the greatest influence from customer reviews (<0.001). Results provided some initial insights into the way consumers may use social media for information about oral health products and the influences on them choosing to purchase the products. Oral health care providers can use this information to educate and guide patients to credible information sources in their search for oral health care products.
Common Sampling Errors in Research Studies.
Spolarich AE
J Dent Hyg · 2023 Dec · PMID 38061808
Proper sample selection is based on the study purpose, research question(s), and study design. Investigators must use care to select a sample population that is representative of the source and target populations. Well-d...
Proper sample selection is based on the study purpose, research question(s), and study design. Investigators must use care to select a sample population that is representative of the source and target populations. Well-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria serve as guidance when screening potential candidates for eligibility for participation in a study. Sampling and non-sampling errors may influence study outcomes and generalizability of results. The purpose of this short report is to review common sampling errors made when designing a study and when reporting study outcomes.
Perceptions of Incivility Among Dental Hygiene Students and Faculty/Administrators.
Stephens KM, Gurenlian JR, Hurlbutt M
J Dent Hyg · 2023 Dec · PMID 38061807
While incivility has been part of higher education for many years, there has been a documented increase as both students and educators have begun to recognize this behavior and its effects on student learning, faculty sa...
While incivility has been part of higher education for many years, there has been a documented increase as both students and educators have begun to recognize this behavior and its effects on student learning, faculty satisfaction and stress. The purpose of this descriptive study was to investigate the perceptions of incivility among dental hygiene students and faculty/administrators. This study utilized a convenience sample of five dental hygiene programs in California. The Incivility in Higher Education-Revised survey (IHE-R) was adapted to obtain data regarding perceptions of incivility among dental hygiene students and faculty/administrators. The survey required participants to describe incivil encounters and the perceived reasons for and consequences of the incivil behavior. An online survey was used for faculty and a paper survey was administered for dental hygiene students. Data from the open-ended questions were reviewed, summarized, edited for redundancy, and analyzed using categories. Of the 196 participants, 81.63% were dental hygiene students (n = 160) and 18.37% were dental hygiene faculty and administrators (n = 36). Data analysis of participant responses related to the primary reason for incivil behavior in dental hygiene education revealed five categories including lack of consequences, personality traits, miscommunication, stress, and lack of professionalism. Upon data analysis of participant responses related to the most significant consequence of incivil behavior in dental hygiene education, five categories emerged including hostile environment, decreased student success, emotional distress, relationship damage, and professional damage. Both faculty and students felt there was a lack of consequences for incivil behavior and did not feel adequately equipped to manage these situations when they arose. Dental hygiene institutions and professional organizations need to consider offering advanced training in creating a culture of civility to prevent and address incivil behaviors.
Knowledge and Attitudes of Undergraduate Dental, Allied Oral Health and Nursing Students Towards Patients with Alzheimer's Disease.
Skriver RE, Reibel YG, Christianson DJ … +2 more , Evans MD, Arnett MC
J Dent Hyg · 2023 Dec · PMID 38061806
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an age-related illness that is becoming increasingly more prevalent in the United States. The purpose of this pilot study was to assess dental, allied oral health, and nursing students' percei...
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an age-related illness that is becoming increasingly more prevalent in the United States. The purpose of this pilot study was to assess dental, allied oral health, and nursing students' perceived knowledge, comfort, and attitudes for individuals with AD. A total of 851 students from a university dental and nursing school were invited to participate in this cross-sectional study. A 48-item survey comprising of demographic questions, the Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS) and the Dementia Attitudes Scale (DAS) was disseminated via an electronic survey platform. Responses were summarized as means and standard deviations or counts and rates. Comparisons of survey responses by program type and exposure to AD, age group, and prior degree were performed using the chi-square test for association and analysis of variance. The response rate was 33.2%. Nursing students demonstrated the highest level of knowledge on AD with mean score of 25.26 (SD 2.87), followed by dental (M=23.4, SD 3.26) and allied oral health students (M=22.10, SD 2.98). Overall, students demonstrated perceived comfort in treating patients with AD and related dementias with mean scores in the "slightly agree" range. Nursing students demonstrated the highest level of perceived comfort (M=5.61, SD 0.71). Nursing students demonstrated higher knowledge and more positive attitudes toward AD than dental and allied oral health students. There is a need for improved educational training and an expanded didactic curriculum to enhance knowledge for dental and allied oral health students. This pilot study provides a blueprint for replication on a national level.
Reflecting Back on the 100-year Celebration.
Draper CK
J Dent Hyg · 2023 Dec · PMID 38061805
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
A Conceptual Model Using CliftonStrengths to Support Dental Hygiene Students' Professional Development.
Bono L, Gurenlian JR, August J
J Dent Hyg · 2023 Oct · PMID 37816625
Professional development is instrumental in the ongoing success of healthcare professionals and students. The purpose of the second year of this two-year study was to continue to apply the results from the CliftonStrengt...
Professional development is instrumental in the ongoing success of healthcare professionals and students. The purpose of the second year of this two-year study was to continue to apply the results from the CliftonStrengths assessment to support entry-level dental hygiene students' professional development and to create a conceptual model for professional development in dental hygiene education. CliftonStrengths were incorporated in didactic and community learning experiences throughout year two of the dental hygiene curriculum. At the end of year two, focus group interviews assessed student perceptions of professional strengths based on these learning experiences. Co-investigators used a qualitative analysis software program to identify codes and themes. Investigator triangulation and member checks were used to validate responses. All second-year dental hygiene students (n=32) participated in year two of the study. Two themes were identified: relevance of CliftonStrengths and professional development. Within the theme of relevance, the subthemes of adaptability, making connections, and teamwork emerged. The theme professional development yielded three subthemes: appreciation, personal and professional identity, and insight. This study demonstrated CliftonStrengths can be used to promote professional development among dental hygiene students. As a result, a conceptual model was developed for professional development in dental hygiene education. This model can be used as a framework for teaching and to improve student learning experiences.
Implicit Racial Bias Among Dental Hygienists Practicing in the United States.
Morzenti OA, Brennhofer SA, Calley KH … +1 more , Stephenson MC
J Dent Hyg · 2023 Oct · PMID 37816624
Provider bias has been shown to be a contributing factor to racial and ethnic disparities observed in health care settings. The purpose of this study was to examine implicit racial bias among dental hygienists. A conveni...
Provider bias has been shown to be a contributing factor to racial and ethnic disparities observed in health care settings. The purpose of this study was to examine implicit racial bias among dental hygienists. A convenience sample of licensed and practicing dental hygienists within the United States was recruited through email and national dental hygiene social media groups via snowball sampling. A two-part survey design was used for data collection. Participants completed a 10-item demographic survey through an online platform and were then routed to the Race Implicit Association Test (IAT). Descriptive statistics and linear regression analyses were used to compare demographic data and implicit racial preference scores (d-scores). Data from 404 licensed dental hygienists were included in this study. Over two-thirds (67.8%) of participants showed a preference for European Americans over African Americans. A significant difference was found between implicit racial preference scores and participant age (Estimate: 0.01, 95% CI: 0.00, 0.01), years worked comparing <5 years to 21 or more years (Estimate: 0.19, 95% CI: -0.30, -0.09), and race comparing non-White to White (Estimate: -0.17, 95% CI: -0.27, -0.07). No difference was found with task order, previous Race IAT experience, or previous self-reported implicit bias training. Findings suggest that dental hygienists may harbor implicit racial preferences for European Americans over African Americans. Non-White participants had more positive implicit preferences toward African Americans compared to White participants. Further research is needed to determine the extent to which implicit racial biases contribute to disparities in oral health.
Training Dental Hygiene Students to Care for Patients with Disabilities.
Spolarich AE, Gohlke E, Fallone K … +1 more , Bay RC
J Dent Hyg · 2023 Oct · PMID 37816623
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of a novel training program on dental hygiene students' knowledge, attitudes and beliefs about caring for individuals with disabilities. A mixed methods approach was u...
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of a novel training program on dental hygiene students' knowledge, attitudes and beliefs about caring for individuals with disabilities. A mixed methods approach was used. Students from five dental hygiene programs based at community colleges completed a two-hour didactic training session to supplement their existing special care dentistry coursework. Students completed an original 14-item pretest and posttest before and after the training that assessed attitudes and beliefs, and two validated posttests that assessed knowledge. Afterwards, students completed a clinical rotation in an advanced care dental clinic at a local academic institution gaining hands-on experience with equipment and patient treatment. Descriptive statistics were used to report training scores, types of services rendered and modifications to treatment. Student comments about their experiences were assessed using thematic analysis. Two hundred and ninety-four students completed didactic training and 261 completed clinical rotations. Posttest scores indicated positive improvements in knowledge, attitudes and beliefs. All students provided direct patient care. Sixty-nine percent treated patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities; 75% placed silver diamine fluoride or fluoride varnish. Altered patient positioning was used by 70.5%. Most students (95.4%) reported that their experience positively changed their attitudes towards caring for patients with disabilities in the future. Eight themes emerged, notably increased comfort and confidence, a willingness and desire to treat patients, the acquisition of new skills, and clinician behaviors of empathy and compassion towards others. Training can help prepare dental hygiene students with the confidence and skills to address the oral health needs of individuals with disabilities.
Experiences of Dental Hygienists Providing Restorative Care.
Ray M, Lane CK, Rogo EJ
J Dent Hyg · 2023 Oct · PMID 37816622
The intent of this inquiry was to explore the lived experiences of dental hygienists who provide restorative patient care. Phenomenology was the qualitative approach used. Purposive sampling ensured participants had rele...
The intent of this inquiry was to explore the lived experiences of dental hygienists who provide restorative patient care. Phenomenology was the qualitative approach used. Purposive sampling ensured participants had relevant experiences. An Interview Guide was emailed one week prior to the interview to help participants prepare responses. Informed consent included selecting a pseudonym, which was used throughout the interview and on the written transcript to protect the participants' identities. One-hour semi-structured interviews were conducted and recorded on Zoom. Data collection and analysis occurred simultaneously. Verbatim transcription accuracy was verified. Data were initially coded and then focused coding created themes. Demographic data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. After eight interviews data saturation was achieved. Seven females and one male participated. All participants experienced a restorative curriculum in their entry-level program and most felt well-prepared. The motivation for becoming a restorative dental hygienist included having positive restorative experiences during the entry-level program, wanting to keep restorative skills current after graduation, and having an opportunity to provide restorative care. Challenges experienced included the dentists' negative attitudes, dental hygienists' not valuing restorative abilities and not having a qualified dental assistant. Personal benefits were related to career fulfillment. Benefits to patients involved improving access, efficiency, and convenience. The benefit to the office was increased production. Differences between restorative and preventive care involved demands of care and patient care flow. The findings provide insight into the unique experiences of dental hygienists who provided restorative patient care and a foundation for future research.
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