Journal Of Dental Hygiene[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Unicystic Ameloblastoma: A case report.
Christensen H, Hadley M, Chapman T … +2 more , Hickok K, Gurenlian JR
J Dent Hyg · 2026 May · PMID 42225427
Radiolucent neoplasms can be identified on dental radiographs in asymptomatic and symptomatic individuals. Examples of these lesions include dentigerous cyst, radicular cyst, odontogenic keratocyst, and ameloblastoma. Ma...
Radiolucent neoplasms can be identified on dental radiographs in asymptomatic and symptomatic individuals. Examples of these lesions include dentigerous cyst, radicular cyst, odontogenic keratocyst, and ameloblastoma. Many of these lesions require a histologic examination to render the definitive diagnosis. In terms of the ameloblastoma, there are four distinct types of this tumor. These include the conventional ameloblastoma, unicystic ameloblastoma (UA), extraosseous/peripheral ameloblastoma, and metastasizing ameloblastoma. The purpose of this report is to present a case report of a unicystic ameloblastoma found in a 30-year-old female who presented to a general dental practice with a chief complaint of pain and swelling in the mandibular left third molar region. Further evaluation and eventual surgical excision were delayed due to misdiagnosis and delay in performing the biopsy. The definitive diagnosis for this lesion was a benign unicystic ameloblastoma (UA). Due to the size of the defect, the patient required a partial mandibulectomy, reconstructive surgery and placement of two dental implants. While the long-term prognosis for this patient is good, regular surveillance is needed as UA neoplasms have a high recurrence rate. This case study emphasizes the need for oral health care professionals to be vigilant in identifying signs and symptoms of oral disease to support early and accurate diagnosis.
Dental Anxiety Management Techniques of North Carolina Dental Hygienists.
Ryall LE, Shrivastava M, Ginnis J … +2 more , Xie J, Dsouza-Norwood R
J Dent Hyg · 2026 May · PMID 42225426
Dental anxiety is a prevalent condition, impacting adults, adolescents and children worldwide. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, confidence, and willingness to implement dental anxiety management t...
Dental anxiety is a prevalent condition, impacting adults, adolescents and children worldwide. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, confidence, and willingness to implement dental anxiety management techniques (DAMTs) by dental hygienists (DHs) in North Carolina (NC) as well as the types of DAMTs currently being used by DHs in NC. This cross-sectional study utilized an electronic survey of DHs licensed to practice in NC. An email list provided by the NC Dental Board was used to invite all dental hygiene licentiates (N=7,732) to participate. The 32-item survey included multiple-choice, select-all, Likert-scale, and open-ended on the following categories: demographics, knowledge, education, clinical experience, confidence to treat, and willingness to implement DAMTs. Descriptive statistics, multivariate analysis (<0.05), and thematic analysis were used for data interpretation. A total of 632 NC DHs completed the survey for a response rate of 8.17%. Most (99%, n=622) reported treating a patient with dental anxiety. Over one-third (36%, n=214) reported a lack of education on DAMTs at their educational institution and poor preparation in utilizing DAMTs post-education (4.90 on a 0-10 scale). Verbal DAMTs were more frequently learned during education by participants aged 18-34 compared to participants aged 55+ (<0.0001). The most frequently recognized and utilized DAMTs were positive reinforcements (96.66%, n=578) and trust building (96.40%, n=536), followed by information (95.32%, n=570) and explanation (93.71%, n=521) and music (84.45%, n=505). Most reported confidence (99.45%, n=544) in treating patients with dental anxiety and willingness (99.25%, n=536) to modify care using DAMTs. Open-ended responses included trust, communication, empathy, and person-centered care. Although participants reported regularly treating patients with dental anxiety, there was limited knowledge and utilization of the various types of DAMTs. Respondents expressed interest in continuing dental anxiety management education.
Advancing the Dental Hygiene Research Foundation.
Boyd LD, Rulli D
J Dent Hyg · 2026 May · PMID 42225425
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Use of Dental Radiographs for Calculus Detection Post Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy: A scoping review.
Wendel TA, Lebo R, Regnerus C … +1 more , Sona J
J Dent Hyg · 2026 May · PMID 42225424
Research has shown that calculus detection and removal present a persistent challenge in dentistry. The purpose of this scoping review was to determine the amount of literature regarding the use of dental radiographs for...
Research has shown that calculus detection and removal present a persistent challenge in dentistry. The purpose of this scoping review was to determine the amount of literature regarding the use of dental radiographs for calculus detection and removal following nonsurgical periodontal therapy. The following questions guided the review: 1) To what extent are radiographs incorporated into clinical practice for calculus detection and what factors influence their use or limitations? 2) What role do radiographs play in verifying the effectiveness of calculus removal during periodontal therapy? 3) Should a protocol or clinical guideline for use of dental radiographs post-nonsurgical periodontal therapy be considered? Following PRISMA guidelines, an online search of PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, JBI EBP Database, and Web of Science was conducted. Inclusion criteria were studies conducted on the presence of dental calculus, calculus detection, calculus removal and evaluation methods. Studies with a sample size of fewer than thirty, studies on implants, animals, in vitro studies, and research that did not include calculus detection or removal in the topic were excluded from the review.A total of 346 articles underwent title and abstract screening by three separate reviewers for assessment against the inclusion criteria for the review. A total of 59 studies met the inclusion criteria for the scoping review. Only two of the articles explicitly mentioned using radiographs to detect calculus. While a wide range of techniques were employed for calculus detection and removal, no single method was universally effective, and many studies acknowledged the persistent challenge of residual calculus post-nonsurgical periodontal treatment. When combined with traditional calculus detection methods, the use of radiographs alone, or in combination with AI techniques, may prove beneficial post-nonsurgical periodontal therapy. While the concept of assessing subgingival calculus via radiographs is not novel, findings highlight a significant gap in the literature validating its effectiveness. Additionally, research on AI assisted radiographic calculus detection should be focused on in-vivo studies to reflect real scenarios and whether these techniques improve patient outcomes.
Opportunities and Challenges of Mentoring and Developing Student Reading Comprehension, Writing, and Research Synthesis at the Undergraduate Level.
Arnett MC, McKinney DC, Eagle IT … +2 more , Bono L, Rulli D
J Dent Hyg · 2026 May · PMID 42225423
Dental hygiene (DH) education is grounded in evidence-based practice (EBP), requiring graduates to critically evaluate and apply scientific literature in clinical decision-making. However, widespread gaps in academic lit...
Dental hygiene (DH) education is grounded in evidence-based practice (EBP), requiring graduates to critically evaluate and apply scientific literature in clinical decision-making. However, widespread gaps in academic literacy, particularly in reading comprehension, writing, and research synthesis, pose significant challenges for undergraduate DH students transitioning from novice learners to competent practitioners. This short report examines the role of academic literacy as a foundational component of DH education and its alignment with the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) standards. Drawing on evidence from nursing and allied health education, this paper highlights strategies to strengthen academic literacy through curriculum innovation, including writing-enriched curricula, scaffolding assignments, active learning, portfolio assessment, and the ethical integration of generative artificial intelligence. Additionally, the importance of faculty development, interprofessional collaboration, and librarian partnerships are emphasized to support both teaching efficacy and student success. By embedding academic literacy longitudinally across the curriculum, DH programs can better prepare undergraduates to engage in research, think critically, and deliver high-quality, person- centered care. Advancing academic literacy supports not only accreditation standards but also creates a foundation for the development of future leaders, educators, and researchers in the dental hygiene profession.
A Comparison of the Efficacy of Charcoal and Non-Charcoal-Bristled Electric Toothbrushes on Coffee Stain Removal and Surface Enamel Roughness: An in vitro study.
Ajai S, Agnihotri R
J Dent Hyg · 2026 May · PMID 42225422
Recently, charcoal-based oral hygiene products, such as toothpastes, have gained popularity due to their whitening and antibacterial properties. However, there is limited data on charcoal-bristle electric toothbrushes. T...
Recently, charcoal-based oral hygiene products, such as toothpastes, have gained popularity due to their whitening and antibacterial properties. However, there is limited data on charcoal-bristle electric toothbrushes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the coffee stain removal efficacy and enamel surface roughness induced by charcoal and non-charcoal electric toothbrushes with and without toothpaste. Forty-eight prepared tooth enamel samples were divided into four groups: charcoal-electric toothbrush with toothpaste (group 1, n=12), non-charcoal electric toothbrush with toothpaste (group 2, n=12), charcoal-electric toothbrush without toothpaste (group 3, n=12), and non-charcoal electric toothbrush without toothpaste (group 4, n=12). Coffee stains were developed on the specimens, followed by a standardized brushing procedure. Various color parameters, ΔL* (whiteness), Δa* (redness), and Δb* (yellowness), were measured using a spectrophotometer. The ΔE* (color change) was calculated from the ΔL*, Δa*, and Δb* values. The enamel surface roughness (Ra) was evaluated using a 3D non-contact profilometer. All groups showed significant whitening (ΔL*), and groups with toothpastes demonstrated the most significant change in ΔE* values, irrespective of the bristle type (<0.05). Both the bristle types effectively removed the coffee stains when used without toothpaste (>0.05). However, groups with toothpaste exhibited significantly rougher enamel surfaces (<0.05). Both charcoal and non-charcoal electric toothbrushes effectively removed coffee stains. The toothpaste enhanced the whitening effect but increased enamel roughness. Charcoal-bristled electric toothbrushes did not outperform non-charcoal toothbrushes. Caution is warranted when using these products regularly due to potential surface alterations.
Preparedness for Pediatric Oral Health Promotion Among Dental Hygiene Graduates.
Evensen DA, Patrella MC, Six M
J Dent Hyg · 2026 May · PMID 42225421
Preventive dentistry prioritizes oral health promotion (OHP), the practice of actively teaching children and their caregivers about proper oral hygiene habits. The purpose of this study was to examine the oral health cur...
Preventive dentistry prioritizes oral health promotion (OHP), the practice of actively teaching children and their caregivers about proper oral hygiene habits. The purpose of this study was to examine the oral health curriculum, clinical experiences, and OHP; the role of these experiences on current clinical practice and the perceptions of importance and confidence in providing pediatric care among dental hygienists recently licensed in the state of Utah. Dental hygienists licensed in the state of Utah between 2022 and 2024 were invited to participate in a 20-item electronic survey about educational experiences and current clinical practices related to pediatric OHP. The survey included curriculum characteristics, the number and age of pediatric patients treated, confidence in treating age groups 1-6 and 7-12 upon graduation, the importance placed on 12 individual OHP topics, and whether previous education translated to clinical practice. Relationships among variables were assessed by statistical analyses. One-hundred dental hygienists accepted the invitation to participate for a 16.1% response rate. Most (86%) held a bachelor's degree. Educational experiences were significantly correlated with the importance of providing pediatric OHP in clinical practice (<0.01). Seven out of the twelve individual topics also showed significant correlations between education received and perceived importance (<0.03). While most (55%) felt very confident treating 7-12-year-olds, only 34% were very confident treating patients aged 1-6 years. Confidence levels were associated with the number of patients treated during dental hygiene education, with patients aged 7-12 years statistically significant (<0.01). Adequate educational experiences on all OHP topics as well as pediatric clinical encounters need to be ensured within dental hygiene curricula so that all graduates perceive the importance of oral health promotion when providing pediatric care and have the confidence to care for patients aged 1-12 years.
A Century of Science - A Future of Mentors.
Arnett MC
J Dent Hyg · 2026 May · PMID 42225420
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Dental Hygiene Students' Knowledge of Holistic Approaches to Oral Health Care.
Camill J, Jones D, Wang CW … +2 more , Anderson O, Travan S
J Dent Hyg · 2026 May · PMID 42225419
There has been an increased interest from patients and providers in holistic dentistry for oral health care, however, there is limited information available on the perception and level of integration of holistic dentistr...
There has been an increased interest from patients and providers in holistic dentistry for oral health care, however, there is limited information available on the perception and level of integration of holistic dentistry in dental hygiene education. The purpose of this study was to assess dental hygiene students' knowledge and confidence regarding holistic dentistry for oral health care. An 18-item electronic survey was sent to 330 program directors in the United States for distribution to dental hygiene students graduating in the class of 2024. The survey included demographic, Likert scale, open-ended, and sliding scale questions assessing students' knowledge, attitudes, educational exposure, and interest in holistic dentistry and homeopathic ingredients in dental products. The data was recorded in an online survey platform and analyzed with statistical software. Statistical significance was set at <0.05. Many respondents (42%, n=138) indicated no familiarity with holistic dentistry and more than half (60%, n=197) did not feel comfortable when discussing holistic dentistry with their patients. There was a relationship between the level of familiarity with holistic dentistry and confidence when this care option with patients (<0.05). A low number of respondents were familiar with diagnostic tests used in holistic dentistry such as pH level, saliva, and microbiology; however, most were not familiar with coral calcium, nano-silver, lemongrass oil, green tea-based extract ingredients. Respondents indicated having learned about holistic dentistry in nutrition (42%, n=138) and pharmacology (41%, n=135), biomaterials (23%, n=75) or other courses (19%, n=62). Respondents learned about holistic dentistry from searching online (49%) or social media platforms (48%, n=157). However, 44% (n=157) thought it was important to be integrated into dental hygiene program curricula. Although most respondents were not familiar with holistic dentistry and did not feel comfortable discussing it with their patients, they expressed an interest in learning more about it and valued the importance of integrating holistic oral health care into their dental hygiene curriculum.
Changes in Salivary Flow and Oral pH Following Use of Different Mouthrinse Formulations in Addition to Brushing Versus Brushing Only.
Milleman K, Bosma ML, Saito A … +6 more , Gorecki P, Ding Y, Lanka U, DelSasso A, Wills K, Milleman J
J Dent Hyg · 2026 Apr · PMID 41905755
Mouthrinses contain inactive ingredients (e.g., solvents, such as alcohol) and active ingredients (e.g., antimicrobials, such as essential oils [EOs]) that work in combination to control gingival inflammation and regulat...
Mouthrinses contain inactive ingredients (e.g., solvents, such as alcohol) and active ingredients (e.g., antimicrobials, such as essential oils [EOs]) that work in combination to control gingival inflammation and regulate the oral microbiome. The purpose of this one-day, examiner-blind, randomized, parallel-group-controlled clinical trial was to understand the effect of different EO-containing mouthrinses, with and without alcohol, on salivary flow and pH. Subjects aged ≥18 years were recruited to participate in a one-day trial conducted at an independent research center. Salivary flow and pH were measured following a regimen of brushing and rinsing with an EO-containing mouthrinse versus brushing and rinsing with a water rinse control (BW). Eligible participants were assigned 1:1:1:1 to the BW group or one of three EO-containing mouthrinse groups. Change in salivary flow and pH after a single use of an EO-containing mouthrinse compared to the BW group was assessed at 0 (salivary flow only), then at 2.5, 5, 10, 15, and 30 minutes. A total of 159 subjects completed the clinical trial. At 30 minutes following the intervention, the mean salivary flow was similar across all groups. The mean salivary pH increased in all groups through 15 minutes before returning to near-baseline levels by 30 minutes (all of which were within the normal oral pH range of 6.2-7.6). No adverse events were reported. The inclusion of alcohol in the tested mouthrinse formulations did not affect salivary flow or pH compared with the alcohol-free mouthrinses, indicating that a single use of either an alcohol-containing or alcohol-free EO-containing mouthrinse does not contribute to oral dryness. Future trials investigating the long-term use of mouthrinses and their effect on salivary flow and pH will help to build on the current evidence base and inform clinical decision-making.
Embracing the Powers of Prevention.
Brown JS
J Dent Hyg · 2026 Apr · PMID 41905754
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Influence of Psychological Resilience and Emotional Labor on Employee Well-Being Among Dental Hygienists.
Walbrecher A, Boyd LD, Vineyard J … +1 more , McClure D
J Dent Hyg · 2026 Apr · PMID 41905753
Health care workers have been shown to experience a decline in mental health and psychological well-being due to work-related factors. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between demographic and wor...
Health care workers have been shown to experience a decline in mental health and psychological well-being due to work-related factors. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between demographic and work variables, psychological resilience, emotional labor, and employee well-being among clinical dental hygienists. A cross-sectional survey research design was used with a non-probability sample of clinical dental hygienists (n=411) using validated instruments including: the Emotional Labour Scale, Resilience Evaluation Scale and Employee Well-Being Scale. Participants were recruited on dental hygiene social media sites. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the results. The completion rate was 78% (n=322). The regression model for life well-being (LWB) was statistically significant (adjusted R2=.287, <.001). The predictor that increased LWB was self-confidence (β=.403) while predictors of decreased LWB included surface acting (β=-.246), and hours worked (β=-.179, <.001). The regression model for workplace well-being (WWB) was statistically significant (adjusted R2=.262, <.001). Positive predictors of increased WWB included self-confidence (β=.353, <.001), deep acting (β=.130, =.007), age (β=.105, <.034) while surface acting (β=-.252, <.001) predicted lower WWB. The regression model for psychological well-being (PWB) was statistically significant (adjusted R2=.398, <.001). Predictors that increased PWB included self-confidence (β=.352, <.001), self-efficacy (β=.217, < .001), deep acting (β=.162, <.001), and frequency (β=.098, <.035), while surface acting (β=-.193, <.001) predicted lower PWB. Dental hygienists displayed high levels of psychological resilience. However, hours worked and the factors impacting emotional labor, such as deep acting and surface acting, negatively impacted employee well-being. More research is needed to investigate strategies for managing emotional labor among dental hygienists.
Effectiveness of a Clinical Board Readiness Program in Dental Hygiene Education.
Gatlin RA
J Dent Hyg · 2026 Apr · PMID 41905752
A majority of the dental hygiene clinical board examinations are now administered as a simulated patient in combination with an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) and understanding how to prepare students f...
A majority of the dental hygiene clinical board examinations are now administered as a simulated patient in combination with an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) and understanding how to prepare students for successful outcomes is critical. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a clinical board readiness program for two cohorts of dental hygiene students who had different clinical board preparation methodologies. This retrospective comparative cohort study utilized a convenience sample of dental hygiene student records from the class of 2024 (cohort 1) and the class of 2025 (cohort 2) from a single institution. Cohorts 1 and 2 completed identical mock board examinations during the fourth and fifth semesters. Students in cohort 2 were required to participate in a "clinical board readiness program" before the start of the fourth semester and prior to the mock board examinations while cohort 1 only experienced the mock board examinations. Scores on the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX) dental hygiene simulated-patient treatment clinical examination (SPTCE) were compared for the two cohorts. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. Forty-six dental hygiene student records were reviewed and met the inclusion criteria (n=46); cohort 1 (n=21) and cohort 2 (n=25). There were no significant differences in the mean calculus detection and periodontal probing depth scores on the mock board examinations. However, there were significant differences in the mean calculus removal scores between the two cohorts and by semester (<0.001). However, of the 46 students who passed the SPTCE, nearly all (96%, n=44) passed the exam on the first attempt and no significant differences were identified between the two cohorts (=1.000). These findings suggest that while targeted preparation programs can strengthen specific skills, their overall influence on clinical board examination success may be limited when students already meet the minimum threshold for passing.
Factors Influencing Dental Hygienists' Membership in Professional Associations.
Lamphere A, Eagle I
J Dent Hyg · 2026 Apr · PMID 41905751
Membership with professional organizations, including the American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA), plays an important role in supporting dental hygienists through continuing education, networking, advocacy, and pr...
Membership with professional organizations, including the American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA), plays an important role in supporting dental hygienists through continuing education, networking, advocacy, and professional identity development. Despite these established benefits, membership rates in professional associations remain low. The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the trends influencing membership decisions among licensed dental hygienists to inform the design of a larger, more representative national investigation. A cross-sectional electronic survey was pilot tested for content validity and distributed to dental hygienists in four states using convenience sampling. Participants provided demographic information, current membership status in any professional organizations (including the ADHA), and perceptions of benefits and barriers to engagement. Descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVA were used to analyze initial trends. Among the respondents (n=250), 25% reported current ADHA membership; most identified advocacy (82%), access to continuing education (76%), and networking (61%) as meaningful benefits of belonging to a professional organization. In contrast, non-members cited high costs of membership (52%), lack of employer reimbursement (38%), and time constraints (12%) as primary barriers. Non-members were significantly younger (<0.001) and graduated more recently (<0.001) than members. Individuals with higher educational attainment were more likely to maintain membership in a professional organization (<0.001). Open-ended responses revealed varied perceptions of organizational relevance, accessibility, and visibility. These preliminary findings highlight key factors that may shape engagement with professional organizations, including the ADHA. The results underscore the need for expanded sampling, strengthened early-career exposure, and further qualitative exploration. Findings from this pilot will guide the development of a larger national study aimed at understanding and improving professional organization membership among dental hygienists.
Improving Interprofessional Knowledge And Cooperation Through an Interprofessional Activity Between Physician Assistant and Dental Hygiene Students.
Fink ER, Tracy JD, Christman AK … +1 more , De Leo G
J Dent Hyg · 2026 Apr · PMID 41905750
Oral health education in primary care training is becoming increasingly important, as health professionals become aware of the connection between oral health and systemic health. Dental hygienists are uniquely positioned...
Oral health education in primary care training is becoming increasingly important, as health professionals become aware of the connection between oral health and systemic health. Dental hygienists are uniquely positioned to support oral health education due to their clinical expertise and patient-centered focus on oral health promotion, disease prevention, and education. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of an interprofessional education (IPE) activity with dental hygiene (DH) and physician assistant (PA) students focusing on oral health education. This half-day IPE activity was first implemented with DH and PA students in 2019, incorporating lecture and case-based learning, and repeated with four subsequent cohorts. Students' self-reported knowledge and confidence were assessed via pre and post-activity Likert-type scale survey questions with all five cohorts of students following the completion of the activity. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test was calculated to compare DH and PA students' pre- and post-question scores. There were statistically significant increases in pre- and post-activity self-reported knowledge for both the DH and PA groups with a mean gain of 0.55 for DH students and 1.09 for PA students. The largest gain was in knowledge of the other's education and training. This IPE activity demonstrated that DH and PA students working together in a case-based learning activity improves confidence in communicating with each other, assessing the medical and dental history, examining the oral cavity for signs of disease, and recognizing normal and abnormal oral pathology.
Exploring Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Dental Hygiene Students Regarding Artificial Intelligence.
Hurlbutt M, Turner AM, Torabi J … +2 more , Soderling F, Gerger D
J Dent Hyg · 2026 Apr · PMID 41905749
Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly used in health professions education, yet little is known about dental hygiene students' knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to AI. The purpose of this descriptive, cr...
Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly used in health professions education, yet little is known about dental hygiene students' knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to AI. The purpose of this descriptive, cross-sectional program-based evaluation was to gather student input on knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to AI to guide curriculum integration planning. A 38-item questionnaire was administered to 120 dental hygiene students across five different cohorts at a single institution. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze responses, with significance set at <0.05. All students (N=120) completed the survey. mean knowledge score was 64.5% ± 1.39 with the highest mean observed among the most senior students (69% ± 1.3). Knowledge was strongest in machine learning approaches and in understanding AI's nature and limitations, and weakest in clinical application. Nearly 90% agreed that ethical concerns about AI deserve greater attention, while 19% felt comfortable with AI independently evaluating a patient's oral health. In practice, most reported using AI tools for academic learning such as summarizing course material (71%), whereas fewer used AI for creative applications such as image generation (23%). One-way ANOVA comparisons found no significant difference between cohorts in the knowledge domain (> 0.05). Cohorts differed significantly in their attitudes about using AI responsibly in the clinical setting as well as their use of AI to study for tests and prepare study aids (<0.05). Students exhibited a basic understanding of AI but lacked depth in areas related to regulation and data quality. Attitudes were positive toward responsibility and ethics yet concerns about AI's impact on clinical judgment and patient care were observed. In practice, AI was used primarily for academic learning, less for creative tasks. Findings underscored the need for curricular strategies that ensure all students receive consistent preparation in ethical, practical, and responsible AI use.
Minutes of our Time. A Lifetime for our Patients!
Draper CK, Gurenlian JR
J Dent Hyg · 2026 Apr · PMID 41905748
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Happy Anniversary to the
Wilder RS
J Dent Hyg · 2026 Feb · PMID 41629193
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Experiences of Microaggression Among Racial/Ethnic Minority Dental Hygienists: A qualitative study.
Smith DE, Boyd LD, Diaz-Olivera J
J Dent Hyg · 2026 Feb · PMID 41629192
Microaggressions are described as brief routine verbal, behavioral, or environmental indignities that convey hostile, derogatory, or negative attitudes and may be intentional or unintentional. The purpose of this study w...
Microaggressions are described as brief routine verbal, behavioral, or environmental indignities that convey hostile, derogatory, or negative attitudes and may be intentional or unintentional. The purpose of this study was to explore and describe how dental hygienists who identified as members of racial/ethnic minority groups experience microaggressions in dental workplace settings. A qualitative phenomenological research design was used with a purposive sample of 14 dental hygienists who identified as racial or ethnic minorities recruited via social media and snowball sampling. Data was collected through virtual focus groups with the use of deductive analysis based on the sub-scales of the Racial and Ethnic Microaggression Scale to identify themes followed by inductive analysis. Five themes emerged from the focus groups that included , and Participants reported instances of being considered less competent or less well educated by employers and/or patients because of their race or ethnicity. Workplace microaggressions ranged from lack of promotion to being fired. Participants expressed a range of emotions from being angry to being ambivalent in response to the microaggression. Dental hygienists who identify as racial or ethnic minorities frequently experience microaggressions in the clinical work setting. Most participants reported being considered inferior due to their race or ethnicity along with a variety of workplace microaggressions. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to mitigate microaggressions with ongoing education about recognition and response to microaggression to ensure an inclusive and welcoming work environment. It is critical to address microaggression to recruit and retain a diverse workforce.
Leadership Education Within the Dental Hygiene Curriculum at an Academic Medical Center.
Brent BK, Clark JT, Norris M … +4 more , Taylor JD, Koka S, Burrell A, Senior C
J Dent Hyg · 2026 Feb · PMID 41629191
The scope of practice for dental hygienists continues to expand into diverse roles in clinical practice, education, administration, corporate environments, and public health, underscoring the need for robust leadership t...
The scope of practice for dental hygienists continues to expand into diverse roles in clinical practice, education, administration, corporate environments, and public health, underscoring the need for robust leadership training. The purpose of this study was to explore perceptions of leadership education among dental hygienists in administrative roles; describe the leadership skills identified by dentists; and examine the views of dental hygiene faculty on leadership education and skills within the dental hygiene curriculum. Qualitative research methodology was used with semi-structured interviews conducted on an online platform. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used to recruit participants across the three stakeholder groups: dental hygienists in administrative roles, dentists, and dental hygiene faculty from baccalaureate programs. Recruitment in each phase continued until thematic saturation was reached. Open, axial and selective coding were used to analyze the data. Four main themes emerged: , and , through the interview sessions with dental hygienists in administrative roles (n=11), dentists in private practice (n=6), and dental hygiene faculty members (n=19). This research underscores the strategic value of integrating leadership education into dental hygiene curricula, laying a strong foundation for students' future roles as leaders in health care. Recommendations include thoroughly reevaluating current curricula, adopting a strategic approach to embed leadership education, and creating a leadership training framework for dental hygiene education programs.
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