Journal Of Dental Hygiene[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Embedding Dental Hygienists into Medical Care Teams: Implementation and evaluation of a medical-dental integration approach in Colorado.
Braun PA, Chavez C, Flowerday C … +2 more , Furniss A, Dickinson M
J Dent Hyg · 2023 Jun · PMID 37280106
This case report describes the implementation approach and evaluation of a medical-dental integration (MDI) project in Colorado that embedded dental hygienists (DHs) into 10 medical practice settings. Through the MDI Lea...
This case report describes the implementation approach and evaluation of a medical-dental integration (MDI) project in Colorado that embedded dental hygienists (DHs) into 10 medical practice settings. Through the MDI Learning Collaborative, DHs were integrated into primary care medical care practices to provide full-scope dental hygiene care to patients. Dental hygienists were trained to collect quality-improvement metrics on all encounters, including untreated tooth decay, and referred patients with restorative needs to partnering dentists. Cross-sectional, aggregated clinic-level oral health metrics were submitted monthly from 2019-2022. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the population receiving MDI care and interviews were conducted with MDI staff to describe their perspectives on this approach to comprehensive care. A logistic regression model, adjusted for time and practice, compared untreated dental caries in established vs new MDI patient-visits. From 2019-2021, integrated DHs completed 13,458 visits to low-income patients, Medicaid (70%, n=9,421), uninsured (24%, n=3,230), SCHIP (3%, n=404), private (3%, n=404), of various ages: 0-5 (29%, n=3,838), 6-18 (17%, n=2,266), 18-64 (51%, n=6,825), >65 (4%, n=529). A total of 912 visits were provided to pregnant patients. Services included caries risk assessment (n=9,329), fluoride varnish (n=6,722), dental sealants (n=1,391), silver diamine fluoride (n=382), x-rays (n=5,465) and scaling/root-planing (n=2,882). Improvement was found in untreated decay of established vs. new patient-visits in four of the practices. Dental hygienists integrated into medical teams provided full-scope dental hygiene care to patients and expanded access to dental services. Medical-dental integration (MDI) care was variably associated with reduction in untreated decay. Integrating dental hygienists into primary care medical practices has potential to improve oral health-related outcomes, however access to restorative dental care remains a challenge.
100 Years of Leadership in Dental Hygiene.
Astroth DB
J Dent Hyg · 2023 Jun · PMID 37280105
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Medical Dental Integration in Wisconsin: Integrating dental hygienists into pediatric well child visits and prenatal care.
Linden JE, Gundacker CLU, Deinhammer L … +1 more , Crespin M
J Dent Hyg · 2023 Jun · PMID 37280104
Disparities exist in access to early oral health care, disproportionately impacting minority ethnic groups and populations with low socio-economic status. Medical dental integration provides an opportunity to create a ne...
Disparities exist in access to early oral health care, disproportionately impacting minority ethnic groups and populations with low socio-economic status. Medical dental integration provides an opportunity to create a new dental access point for early prevention and intervention as well as care coordination. The Wisconsin Medical Dental Integration (WI-MDI) model expanded early access to preventive oral health services by integrating dental hygienists (DHs) into pediatric primary care and prenatal care teams to address oral health inequities with the goal of reducing dental disease. This case study will describe how DHs were incorporated into the medical care teams in Wisconsin and how legislation expanding scope of practice made this possible. Since 2019, five federally qualified health systems, one non-profit clinic, and two large health systems have enrolled in the WI-MDI project. Thirteen DHs have worked across nine clinics in the WI-MDI project and over 15,000 patient visits to a medical provider included oral health services provided by DHs from 2019 to 2023. Dental hygienists working in alternative practice models such as those demonstrated in the innovative WI-MDI approach are positioned to reduce oral health disparities through the provision of early and frequent dental prevention, intervention, and care coordination.
Improving Access to Oral Health Care: Integrating dental hygienists into federally qualified health center obstetrics and gynecology clinics in Michigan.
Battani K, Norrix E, Sailor L … +1 more , Farrell C
J Dent Hyg · 2023 Jun · PMID 37280103
Dental hygienists (DHs) are well positioned to be part of primary care teams to increase access to oral health care, particularly for those who encounter barriers to oral care, such as pregnant people. The Michigan Initi...
Dental hygienists (DHs) are well positioned to be part of primary care teams to increase access to oral health care, particularly for those who encounter barriers to oral care, such as pregnant people. The Michigan Initiative for Maternal and Infant Oral Health (MIMIOH) integrates DHs into obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) clinics in federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) to improve pregnant people's oral health. Evaluation of the MIMIOH program revealed that selecting DHs with personal characteristics desirable for integrated-care delivery was a major factor for successfully integrating DHs into OB/GYN clinics. Additionally, designing appropriate clinical workflows, gaining buy-in from prenatal health care professionals, presenting oral health care as part of prenatal care, having co-located OB/GYN and dental clinics, and maintaining adequate funding were all critical to program success. Analysis of Medicaid data showed that the MIMIOH model increased the percentage of pregnant people receiving oral health care at FQHC dental clinics. Innovative programs like MIMIOH add to the evidence that integrating DHs into primary care settings can increase access to oral health care, especially for those who face difficulties accessing the traditional oral health care system. There is great potential for DHs to leverage collaborative practice agreements and remote supervision to increase access to oral health care for the public. Providing DHs with autonomy to practice to the highest level of their scope of practice and permitting direct Medicaid reimbursement for DHs would make oral health care more accessible for underserved populations.
Person-Centered Care in Dental Hygiene Education: Incorporation and evaluation of person-centered care in the curriculum.
Kishinevsky V, Scott JM, Gadbury-Amyot CC
J Dent Hyg · 2023 Jun · PMID 37280102
Patient and person-centered care are often used interchangeably. The abbreviation PCC is used in this paper in instances where patient/person centered care reflects the definition of person-centeredness. The purpose of t...
Patient and person-centered care are often used interchangeably. The abbreviation PCC is used in this paper in instances where patient/person centered care reflects the definition of person-centeredness. The purpose of this study was to assess how PCC is taught and evaluated in entry-level dental hygiene education programs to prepare graduates for future collaborations with oher health care pprofessionals in a wide range of practice settings. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a 10-item survey emailed to directors of 325 accredited, entry-level dental hygiene education programs in the United States in December 2021. Descriptive statistics were calculated for all variables. Associations with curriculum settings, teaching, and evaluation methods for PCC, according to program degrees granted, were tested with Chi-square and Fisher's Exact tests. The response rate was 23% (n=75). Seventy percent offered an associate degree (AS) and 29% offered a baccalareate degree (BS); 42% reported more than half of their curriculum is allocated to teaching PCC. Didactic lectures (100%), case presentations (97%), and clinical instruction (97%) were the most common methods used for teaching PCC. Baccalaureate programs used external rotations more than associate programs for teaching and evaluation of PCC (84.2% vs. 45.5%; <0.01). The most common PCC terms used in Quality Assurance Plans included providing individualized care (99%) and delivering evidence-based care (91%). Ninety-three percent strongly agree-agree that teaching PCC prepares graduates for working in different settings (e.g., schools, nursing homes, etc.), and 82% strongly agree-agree that PCC prepares graduates to work with a variety of providers. The allocation of curricula time for PCC varied widely across respondents. Conversely, the majority felt their graduates were well-prepared to work in different settings where both PCC and IPP are likely to be practiced. This study serves as a baseline for further analysis of how dental hygiene education is preparing graduates for future practice settings.
Oral Cancer: Prevention, Detection and Prospects for Greater Health Equity.
Johnson LB
J Dent Hyg · 2023 Apr · PMID 37068887
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Prevalence of Workplace Cyberbullying among Dental Hygienists.
Lee C, Boyd LD, LaSpina L … +1 more , Vineyard J
J Dent Hyg · 2023 Apr · PMID 37068886
Increased use of technology, including social media, has led to a new phenomenon of workplace cyberbullying, specifically within the health care professions. The purpose of this study was to measure the prevalence of wor...
Increased use of technology, including social media, has led to a new phenomenon of workplace cyberbullying, specifically within the health care professions. The purpose of this study was to measure the prevalence of workplace cyberbullying among clinical dental hygienists and identify relationships between these behaviors and demographic characteristics. A cross-sectional survey research design was used with a non-probability sample of clinical dental hygienists (n=714) recruited via social media. The validated Workplace Cyberbullying Measure (WCM) survey instrument was used for data collection which included work-related (10 items) and person-related (7 items) subscales. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and correlations. The completion rate was 88.8% (n=634). The prevalence of workplace cyberbullying among participants was 19%, with the highest frequency of negative acts occurring now and then. When comparing the two subscales among different workplace settings corporate dental/Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) had a higher work-related subscale score (M=1.84, SD=0.78) than private practice (=0.03), but not community/public health clinical settings (=0.69). Community/public health clinics had a higher work-related subscale score (M=1.78, SD=0.68) than private practice (<0.001). Corporate dental/DSOs had a higher person-related cyberbullying score (M=1.49, SD=0.59) than private practice (=0.003) but not community/public health clinics (=0.37). Corporate dental/DSOs had higher work-related and person-related cyberbullying scores than private practice, however community/public health clinic participants reported a greater incidence of WCB. Dental hygienists (20%) report experiencing workplace cyberbullying in the past 6 months especially in corporate dental/DSOs and community/public health settings. Corporate dental/DSOs may need to investigate educating personnel on WCB. Employers, particularly corporate/DSOs and public health agencies, need to have policies in place to manage WCB.
Dental Hygiene and Dental Assistant Students' Simulated DVI Radiographic Match Accuracy: A pilot study.
Vest SC, Bradshaw BT, Voelker MA … +3 more , Bruhn AM, Newcomb TL, Sikdar S
J Dent Hyg · 2023 Apr · PMID 37068885
Allied dental health care professionals have served on disaster victim identification (DVI) teams; however, the literature is void of statistical measures regarding transferable skills and disaster preparedness. The purp...
Allied dental health care professionals have served on disaster victim identification (DVI) teams; however, the literature is void of statistical measures regarding transferable skills and disaster preparedness. The purpose of this study was to assess second year dental hygiene and dental assistant students' match accuracy for simulated DVI radiographs and compare the match accuracy between the student groups. Five patient cases were chosen at random to retrospectively collect sets of digital bitewing radiographs from two time periods. The five retrospectively selected sets of images served as simulated antemortem (AM) and postmortem (PM) radiographs. A convenience sample of second year dental hygiene and dental assistant students from two institutions (n=48) were invited to participate in this IRB-exempt descriptive observational study. The previously selected AM and PM images were randomly mismatched, and participants were asked to visually compare the image sets and indicate the matches using a drag and drop feature in an electronic survey instrument. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data; the significance level was set at α=0.05. A total of 41 dental hygiene and dental assistant students agreed to participate for a response rate of 85.4%. Eighty-five percent of the participants accurately matched five out of five sets while the remaining 15% accurately matched three out of five sets. A one-sample binomial proportion test revealed that 80% of the participants were able to match at least four out of five sets (<0.001). Dental hygiene students demonstrated increased matching performance as compared to dental assisting students (=0.013). Both dental hygiene and dental assistant students demonstrated transferable DVI skills to accurately match simulated AM and PM radiographs. Future research is needed in a larger sample to develop and assess best practices of DVI training to build on existing skills for allied dental health care professionals.
Periodontitis Risk Factors in Adults with Cystic Fibrosis: A pilot study.
Alkhateeb AA, Mancl LA, Ramos KJ … +4 more , Rothen ML, Kotsakis GA, Trence DL, Chi DL
J Dent Hyg · 2023 Apr · PMID 37068884
Individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) present with multiple condition-specific risk factors for periodontitis including CF-related diabetes, chronic inhaled treatments that induce xerostomia, and increased systemic infla...
Individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) present with multiple condition-specific risk factors for periodontitis including CF-related diabetes, chronic inhaled treatments that induce xerostomia, and increased systemic inflammation because of frequent lung infections. General factors like age, oral hygiene, and diet may also contribute to the risk of periodontitis. However the relative importance of these specific risk factors and periodontitis in individuals with CF has not yet been evaluated. The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the associations between CF condition-specific and general risk factors and the prevalence of periodontitis in adults with CF. This cross-sectional pilot study was designed to assess a multifactorial model of periodontitis risk factors in a population in adults with CF who were recruited from the University of Washington Adult CF center. Periodontitis was defined using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Periodontology (CDC/AAP) case definition. Risk factors included condition-specific and general factors. Differences between participants with moderate/severe periodontitis and those with no/mild periodontitis was assessed using the Mann-Whitney test, the Fisher's exact test, and the exact chi-square test (α=0.05). Thirty-two participants were enrolled. Twenty-eight percent of the participants had moderate periodontitis, 72% had no/mild periodontitis; none of the participants had severe periodontitis. There were no significant differences in condition-specific factors between between the two study groups. Participants with moderate periodontitis were older (=0.028) and reported daily flossing in higher proportions than those with no/mild periodontitis (=0.023). The findings from this pilot study suggest that future research is needed to determine whether sociodemographic and other general risk factors are more important contributors to periodontitis risk than CF-specific factors.
Focal Abscess: Description of a clinical case.
Troy AM, Bono LK, Gurenlian JR
J Dent Hyg · 2023 Apr · PMID 37068883
The purpose of this article is to present a case report of a periapical lesion found in a 24-year-old female who presented to a university dental hygiene clinic with a chief complaint of vestibular pain around tooth #22....
The purpose of this article is to present a case report of a periapical lesion found in a 24-year-old female who presented to a university dental hygiene clinic with a chief complaint of vestibular pain around tooth #22. Radiographically, the lesion appeared radiolucent and unilocular with well-defined borders and significant bone resorption. The area of radiolucency increased in size over a period of five weeks indicating an aggressive pathosis. Given the clinical and radiographic presentations, the differential diagnosis included an odontogenic keratocystic tumor (odontogenic keratocyst), central giant cell granuloma, periapical cyst, and squamous cell carcinoma. Biopsy revealed the diagnosis of a focal abscess. The patient's presenting signs and symptoms are reviewed. Management and contributing factors are discussed.
Knowledge, Attitudes and Perceptions of Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy Students towards End-stage Renal Disease: A pilot study.
Bast KP, Arnett MC, Lindgren BR … +2 more , Drake MA, Reibel Y
J Dent Hyg · 2023 Feb · PMID 36854578
Chronic kidney disease is highly prevalent in the general population and can progress to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The purpose of this pilot study was to assess dental hygiene and dental therapy students' knowledge...
Chronic kidney disease is highly prevalent in the general population and can progress to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The purpose of this pilot study was to assess dental hygiene and dental therapy students' knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions towards ESRD and evaluate the feasibility of a larger scale study. A convenience sample (n=59) of dental hygiene (DH) and dual degree DH/dental therapy students were invited to participate in an electronic survey for the pilot study. The investigator designed survey consisted of a total of 37 items: demographics (4), perceived knowledge, confidence, importance and attitudes (14), knowledge of chronic kidney disease (18). The knowledge questions were adapted from the Chronic Kidney Disease Self-Management Knowledge Tool (CKD-SMKT) with permission. Descriptive statistics and the non-parametric two-sample Wilcoxon rank sum test were used to analyze the data. Twenty-five participants completed the survey for a 42% response rate. Fewer than half (36%) perceived having some knowledge regarding ESRD, its oral manifestations (28%) and mental health implications (12%). The importance of managing oral health for ESRD was rated by most respondents as "very important" or "extremely important" (76%). Respondent attitudes indicated high interest (68%) regarding employment in hospital settings to care for individuals with ESRD.Knowledge scores from the CKD-SMKT were low in the categories of general knowledge of ESRD and dental hygiene care modifications for individuals with ESRD. Results of this pilot study indicate that using a validated instrument on a national sample is feasible to determine the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of dental hygiene students regarding ESRD. Future research should include knowledge and awareness of hypertension, diabetes, and the role that management of chronic kidney disease plays in the prevention of ESRD.
Detergent Pod-Related Oral-aerodigestive/ocular Injuries in Children, Ages >0 to <18 years.
Wiener RC, Waters C, Bhandari R
J Dent Hyg · 2023 Feb · PMID 36854577
Detergent pod-related aerodigestive/ocular chemical burns/ingestion poisoning injuries are a group of injuries of concern to parents/guardians of young children as well as oral healthcare professionals. Each year deterge...
Detergent pod-related aerodigestive/ocular chemical burns/ingestion poisoning injuries are a group of injuries of concern to parents/guardians of young children as well as oral healthcare professionals. Each year detergent pod injuries result in thousands of emergency department (ED) visits and significant oral, eye, airway, and digestive trauma. The purpose of this study was to investigate trends in detergent pod injuries resulting in ED visits in children ages >0 to <18 years from 2016-2020. This cross-sectional study used data collected from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS). A secondary data analysis was performed on the NEISS data from 2016-2020 for children ages >0 to <18 years. Injuries were identified as detergent pod-related oral-aerodigestive/ingestion poisonings, detergent pod-related ocular injuries, or other product-related injuries among children. Time trends and demographic characteristics were analysed by age, sex, and race. There were an estimated 13,176 detergent pod-related oral-aerodigestive injuries/ingestion poisonings and 8,654 detergent pod-related ocular injuries with ED visits during 2016 - 2020. In adjusted logistic regression, white children were more likely to have oral-aerodigestive injuries/ingestion poisonings than black children (=0.0006). Time trend (=0.4358), and sex (=0.3905) failed to reach significance. Children, ages 5 to<18 years, were less likely to have ED visits for oral-aerodigestive injuries/ingestion poisonings, or any detergent pod-related injury than younger children. Children, ages 3 to ≤5 years, were more likely to have detergent pod-related ocular injuries than younger or older children. Time trends for detergent-pod related injuries requiring ED visits remained unchanged from 2016-2020 for oral-aerodigestive injuries/ingestion poisonings. Given the significant health risks associated with detergent pods and the fact that the injuries have not declined, there is a need for improved parent/guardian education and practices in safeguarding detergent pods from children. Dental hygienists are well positioned to provide anticipatory guidance on this safety issue.
Domestic Violence Knowledge and Attitudes Among Minnesota Dental Hygienists: A pilot study.
Clark BL, Arnett MC, O'Connell MS … +2 more , Marka N, Reibel Y
J Dent Hyg · 2023 Feb · PMID 36854576
The prevalence of intimate partner domestic violence (DV) increased in frequency during the global COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this pilot study was to assess dental hygienists' knowledge, attitudes, and readiness t...
The prevalence of intimate partner domestic violence (DV) increased in frequency during the global COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this pilot study was to assess dental hygienists' knowledge, attitudes, and readiness to manage patients experiencing DV in the state of Minnesota. A cross-sectional study design was used on a convenience sample of dental hygienists. The validated Physician Readiness to Manage Intimate Partner Violence Survey (PREMIS) was used to collect the data. Survey items included demographic variables and measured attitudes and knowledge regarding intimate partner DV. Paper surveys were distributed to attendees at the Minnesota Dental Hygienist Association Annual Meeting. ANOVA and linear regression models were used to assess associations between domestic violence knowledge scores and respondent demographics and attitudes. Eighty-eight surveys were distributed; 31 surveys were completed and met the inclusion criteria for data analysis. The overall mean knowledge score was 11.6 from a possible score of 17. No significant differences were found by age, degree type, or years in practice and domestic violence knowledge or attitudes. Most respondents (64.5%) indicated a lack of preparedness to ask appropriate questions regarding DV and only a little more than half knew how to respond to disclosures of DV (51.6%) or were aware of the state's legal requirements for reporting DV (58.0%). Participants demonstrated moderate knowledge of DV and recognized the importance of identifying and providing support for DV victims. However, participants were unsure of current state-mandated guidelines for reporting DV. Future exploration of reporting mandates will better support dental hygienists in their professional obligations identifying victims of DV.
Pediatric Oral Health: Advances and Challenges.
Claiborne DM
J Dent Hyg · 2023 Feb · PMID 36854575
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Utilizing CliftonStrengths to Increase Professional Development in Dental Hygiene Students.
Bono LK, Gurenlian JR, Stephenson C … +2 more , Williams R, August J
J Dent Hyg · 2023 Feb · PMID 36854574
Undergraduate dental hygiene education programs may not provide sufficient training in professional development to prepare graduates to be primary health care providers. The purpose of the year one of a two-year study wa...
Undergraduate dental hygiene education programs may not provide sufficient training in professional development to prepare graduates to be primary health care providers. The purpose of the year one of a two-year study was to apply the results from a strengths assessment instrument to entry-level dental hygiene students' learning experiences and faculty instruction of students. An exploratory research design including quantitative and qualitative methods was used among a convenience sample of entry-level dental hygiene students. A validated assessment instrument (CliftonStrengths) was used at the beginning of the academic year to determine the professional strengths of the participants. Frequencies and percentages were used to summarize the top five strengths of each participant. Focus group interviews were conducted to assess student and faculty perceptions of professional strengths based on learning experiences at the end of the first academic year. Virtual interviews were transcribed, and the codes and themes were identified. Investigator triangulation and member checks were used to validate responses. Thirty-two hygiene students and 28 faculty agreed to participate in the study. The top five strengths identified for both students and faculty (n=60) were in the executing, strategic and relationship building domains. All students (n=32) participated in the focus groups and the following themes were identified: awareness, application, positive approach, successful strategies, and personal growth. Of the faculty participants (n=28), 14 participated in the focus groups. Faculty themes identified were recognition, change in perspective, personalized approach, participatory environment, and empowerment. Results this study highlight the potential benefits of a strengths-based approach to undergraduate dental hygiene education. Helping students utilize their professional strengths in a challenging educational setting may lead to increased empowerment, professional growth and development. Further study with year two data may offer an opportunity to understand how identification of professional strengths influences students' learning experiences.
Efficacy of a Revised Prototype Solution to Facilitate the Removal of Dental Calculus: A follow-up proof-of-concept study.
Paulson DR, Blaser CD, Drake MA
J Dent Hyg · 2023 Feb · PMID 36854573
The purpose of this follow-up proof-of-concept study was to determine the efficacy of a revised calculus disruption solution in facilitating the removal of both supragingival and subgingival calculus in-vivo, as measured...
The purpose of this follow-up proof-of-concept study was to determine the efficacy of a revised calculus disruption solution in facilitating the removal of both supragingival and subgingival calculus in-vivo, as measured by time, difficulty, and pressure required to remove supragingival and subgingival calculus. Patients from a dental school in Minnesota were recruited to participate in a randomized, split-mouth, cross sectional proof-of-concept study comparing time, difficulty and pressure used with hand instrumentation alone compared to the use of a calculus disruption solution and hand instrumentation. Quadrants were randomized to either treatment or control group. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the amount of time used. A paired Student's t-test was used to analyze the primary outcome ( = 0.05). Post-treatment questionnaires were completed by the investigator and participants to score the perceived difficulty and pressure required to remove calculus. Thirty participants completed the study. An average of 3.1 minutes less time was needed to remove supra and subgingival calculus in the treatment quadrants although this was not statistically significant (=0.5757). The secondary outcomes, the investigator and participants' perceived difficulty and pressure used for calculus removal showed either no difference, or slight improvements in the treatment quadrants. Overall, the product was well tolerated by participants. Quadrants treated with a calculus disruption solution, required slightly less time than control quadrants for calculus removal with hand instruments although the difference was not statistically significant. Reformulation to increase the viscosity of the solution may improve efficacy. Future studies should include a larger sample size, using multiple operators, and a double-blind study design.
Clinical Dental Hygienists' Experience Returning to Work After Closure of Dental Offices Due to COVID-19: A qualitative study.
Jackson-Collins C, Boyd LD, Jenkins SJ
J Dent Hyg · 2022 Dec · PMID 36539289
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare providers includes physical, psychological, financial, and childcare issues. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the experiences of dental hygienists ret...
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare providers includes physical, psychological, financial, and childcare issues. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the experiences of dental hygienists returning to clinical practice after the March 2020 closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A qualitative phenomenological research design was used with virtual focus groups. Clinical dental hygienists who had worked a minimum of 3 days a week prior to dental practice closures in March 2020 and had returned to work in May 2020 were invited to participate through purposive sampling on dental hygiene social media sites. Demographic data was collected prior to a one-hour focus group session. Two investigators independently analyzed and coded the data using a qualitative data analysis software program. The themes identified were used to generate a description of the major findings. Data saturation was achieved with (n=35) participants for a total of 13 focus groups. Most participants were female (89%), and the average age was 40 years. The following major themes were identified: physical issues; emotional; adherence to infection control protocols; fear of contracting/transmitting COVID-19; financial stress; our career was marginalized; and let's get back and make money. Dental hygienists experienced similar physical and mental health stressors as other health care professionals upon returning to work during the COVID-19 pandemic, however dental hygienists also reported feeling marginalized and undervalued. Results from this study suggest that dental hygienists need both personal and workplace support to manage the issues resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic in order to retain them in the workforce.
Two Teledentistry Models for the Provision of Essential Oral Health Care Services in Rural School Settings.
Ward MM, Bhagianadh D, Ullrich F … +4 more , Merchant KAS, Meyer CL, Wovcha S, Reyelt E
J Dent Hyg · 2022 Dec · PMID 36539288
Access to adequate dental services is limited for children in rural communities in the United States.The purpose of this paper was to describe how two school-based teledentistry programs increased access to oral health s...
Access to adequate dental services is limited for children in rural communities in the United States.The purpose of this paper was to describe how two school-based teledentistry programs increased access to oral health services for children and adolescents living in rural areas. The School-Based Telehealth Network Grant Program (SB TNGP) was designed to expand access to, and improve the quality of health care services in schools through telehealth. Data were collected from July 1 to December 31, 2019 on 164 students at 7 preschool sites by Marshfield Clinic Health System (MCHS) and on 1,467 students at 57 school sites by Children's Dental Services (CDS). Both MCHS and CDS reported that over 99 percent of encounters were successfully completed using telehealth technology. Both grantees reported that 99.4 percent of students received an oral health evaluation/screening, primarily through a dental hygienist traveling to the school site connected to a dentist or advanced dental therapist through telehealth. One half of the students had dental caries (50.6 % MCHS; 48.6% CDS). Both grantees referred all students with dental caries for oral health follow-up care. By utilizing dental hygienists traveling to school sites and connecting with centrally located dental professionals through telehealth, both grantees increased access to needed oral health care services for rural children. Oral health screening in school settings using dental hygienists with teledentistry can provide an efficient way to identify students at high risk for dental caries and offer a valuable strategy for oral disease prevention and control.
Oral Health Literacy Inventories for Caregivers of Preschool-aged Children: A systematic review.
Sullivan ML, Claiborne DM, Shuman D
J Dent Hyg · 2022 Dec · PMID 36539287
The purpose of this systematic review was to describe the oral health literacy (OHL) inventories that have been used among caregivers of preschool-aged children. Four databases were searched (CINAHL, Cochrane Database of...
The purpose of this systematic review was to describe the oral health literacy (OHL) inventories that have been used among caregivers of preschool-aged children. Four databases were searched (CINAHL, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source, PubMed), to identify peer-reviewed, full-text studies published in English on the oral health literacy among caregivers of preschool-aged children from 2010-2021. All studies were assessed for eligibility using PRISMA guidelines. Inclusion criteria were experimental, non-experimental, or mixed methods peer-reviewed studies, conducted in the United States. Eligible studies were independently evaluated using the Effective Public Health Practice Project's Quality Assessment Tool. The initial search yielded 182 articles; 11 studies met the inclusion criteria after screening: observational (n=8), experimental (n=2), and quasi-experimental (n=1). Main outcome measures included: oral health literacy, oral health knowledge, oral health attitudes and behaviors, child oral health status (COHS), child oral health-related quality of life (C-OHRQoL), and child oral health-related expenditures. However, this review focused only on caregivers' OHL and the associated measurements for this variable. Most studies utilized the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Dentistry (REALD-30); the remainder used the Basic Research Factors Questionnaire (BRFQ), the Oral Health Literacy Inventory for Parents (OH-LIP), or self-designed survey questions. Few studies met the inclusion criteria. There was an uneven distribution of studies using different inventories for the measurement of oral health literacy limiting the generalizability of the findings to low-income and minority groups. Most caregiver OHL studies focused on dental word recognition, only a few measured knowledge and comprehension. More comprehensive inventories could be designed to evaluate caregivers' knowledge and understanding of dental terms.
Patients' Perspectives About the Influence of Dental Hygienists' Social Intelligence on Self-Care.
Rogo EJ, Hodges KO, Evans JL
J Dent Hyg · 2022 Dec · PMID 36539286
Social Intelligence refers to interpersonal relationships and a person's ability to recognize and influence the emotions and motivations of another person. The purpose of this study was to describe patients' perspectives...
Social Intelligence refers to interpersonal relationships and a person's ability to recognize and influence the emotions and motivations of another person. The purpose of this study was to describe patients' perspectives regarding the influence dental hygienists' Social Intelligence had on their self-care. Perspectives were also compared to determine differences based on the participants' gender, generation, and recare intervals. This descriptive comparative study used a convenience sample consisting of patients receiving care at a university dental hygiene clinic. Participants were surveyed during the spring of 2019 following a dental hygiene care appointment which included a 15-minute oral self-care session. Data were collected using a self-designed questionnaire based on the Emotional Competence Framework. Content validity and test-retest reliability were established prior to administration. The Social Intelligence abilities of Social Awareness and Social Skills were measured by thirteen capabilities: Empathy, Service Orientation, Developing Others, Leveraging Diversity, and Political Awareness, Influence, Communication, Leadership, Change Catalyst, Conflict Management, Building Bonds, Collaboration and Teamwork. Participants rated twenty-six items on a 7-point Likert scale. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. A total of 103 patients agreed to participate. Means of the Social Awareness capabilities ranged from 6.4 to 6.6 while the means for the Social Skills capabilities ranged from 6.0 to 6.55. There was a statistically significant difference between patients' perspectives based on gender (=0.013); female participants rated the capabilities higher than males. However, there were no significant differences between patients' perspectives based on generation or recare interval (=0.157 and =0.340, respectively). All thirteen Social Intelligence capabilities positively influenced the dental hygienists' Social Intelligence from the patients' perspectives. Perhaps practitioners and oral healthcare students could benefit from learning about these capabilities and their application to patient self-care.
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