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Purpose 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.Methods 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.Results 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.Conclusion 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.
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Higienistas Dentales , Accesibilidad a los Servicios de Salud , Humanos , Kansas , Área sin Atención Médica , Encuestas y CuestionariosRESUMEN
Purpose: 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.Methods: 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.Results: 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.Conclusion: 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.
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COVID-19 , Higienistas Dentales , Humanos , Femenino , Adulto , Masculino , Higienistas Dentales/psicología , Consultorios Odontológicos , Pandemias , Investigación Cualitativa , Encuestas y CuestionariosRESUMEN
Purpose: Despite recovery in dental practices' patient volume, dentists in the United States (US) continue to report difficulties in hiring dental hygienists due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This study updates previous data on US dental hygienists' employment patterns and attitudes concerning returning to work.Methods: Licensed dental hygienists were invited to participate in monthly web-based surveys between September 2020 and August 2021. Employment questions included current and pre-pandemic work status as well as reasons for not currently working as a clinical dental hygienist. Descriptive statistics were used to describe dental hygienists' employment status and reasons for not currently working. Cross tabulation analysis included employment status and reasons for not working by age group.Results: As of August 2021, 4.9% (n=59) of the participants reported that they were not currently employed as a dental hygienist. Most reported that the reason for non-employment as a dental hygienist was voluntary (74.1%; n=43).Safety concerns for self and others were the primary reasons for not returning to work; participants also indicated retirement or that they no longer wished to practice due to the pandemic. However, the percentage of respondents citing insufficient childcare, wanting the COVID-19 vaccine but not obtaining it, and having an underlying health condition, decreased between the beginning and the conclusion of the study.Conclusion: A measurable degree of hesitancy among US dental hygienists to return to work has persisted over a year and a half into the pandemic and may continue despite some improvements in workplace safety and vaccine uptake. Future research should examine workforce levels after the pandemic resolves.
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COVID-19 , Higienistas Dentales , Actitud del Personal de Salud , Vacunas contra la COVID-19 , Empleo , Humanos , Pandemias , SARS-CoV-2 , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Estados Unidos/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to drops in patient volume and staffing in dental practices in the United States (US). This study aimed to provide insights on dental hygienists' employment patterns as well as their attitudes toward working as dental hygienists during a pandemic.Methods: Licensed dental hygienists were invited to participate in a web-based 30-question survey between September 29 and October 8, 2020. Employment questions included current and pre-pandemic work status, reasons for not currently working as a dental hygienist, and estimated levels of personal protective equipment (PPE) in the primary work location. All statistical analysis was conducted in Qualtrics Core XM; cross tabulation was used to examine dental hygienist working patterns and attitudes by age, practice PPE supply, and other factors.Results: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an estimated 8% reduction in dental hygienist employment. The majority (59.1%, n=205) of this reduction is voluntary, with the main reason being general concerns over COVID-19 (48.3%, n=100). Other reasons include issues surrounding childcare and concerns over safety measures in the workplace. Dental hygienists aged 65 and older were most likely to have left the workforce voluntarily. More than half of respondents reported that their work locations had more than a two-week supply of most PPE items, although about 10% did not know supply levels. Dental hygienists working in settings with lower supplies of PPE were more concerned with COVID-19 transmission risk to themselves or to patients.Conclusion: COVID-19 has led to a reduction in the dental hygienist workforce that is likely to persist until the pandemic passes.The dental hygienist labor market has tightened and employers may continue to experience difficulties in filling vacant dental hygienist positions until the pandemic subsides. There is also likely to be a longer term, yet smaller, impact on dental hygiene employment levels.
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COVID-19 , Higienistas Dentales , Anciano , Empleo , Humanos , Pandemias , SARS-CoV-2 , Estados Unidos/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
Purpose: Little is known about the prevalence of multiple jobholding practices among dental hygienists or the factors contributing to these employment patterns. The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine predictors of multiple jobholding practices among dental hygienists in the state of Iowa.Methods: A mailed paper survey was sent to all licensed dental hygienists (n=2080) in Iowa in May 2018. The dependent variable was whether hygienists worked more than one job in dental hygiene. Key independent variables included individual, family, and practice-related factors. Descriptive, bivariate, and binary logistic regression analyses were completed.Results: A total of 1215 dental hygienists participated in the survey, for a response rate of 58%. Among respondents, 12.2% worked more than one job overall, with 10.7% working 2 jobs and 1.5% working three or more. Respondents who had at least a bachelor's degree, did not have children in the household, were not married, had worked more years at their primary job, and worked more hours per week, were more likely to hold multiple jobs after adjusting for other factors.Conclusions: Consistent with national estimates, there was a high multiple jobholding rate among dental hygienists in Iowa. Multiple individual, family, and practice characteristics were found to be related to multiple jobholding, with the strongest predictors being the hygienist's highest level of education and the number of hours worked at the primary job.
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Higienistas Dentales , Empleo , Niño , Escolaridad , Humanos , IowaRESUMEN
Purpose: The growing geriatric population has unique and often complex oral health care needs. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions regarding direct access dental hygienists (DH) regarding the geriatric curriculum needed in dental hygiene education programs to prepare DHs to provide direct access care for geriatric populations.Methods: Purposive and network sampling strategies were used to recruit eligible direct access DHs from across the United States for this qualitative study. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted until was met. Demographic data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Open coding techniques were used to identify themes.Results: Ten direct access DHs agreed to participate. Nine themes emerged from the data analysis: combining didactic and hands-on experience, how direct access differs from traditional practice, importance of a standardized course in entry-level programs, need for a specialty course in geriatrics, understanding the geriatric patient, understanding direct access settings, modifications to treatment modalities, process of care, and interprofessional knowledge. Participants indicated that entry-level dental hygiene students should be exposed to hands-on clinical rotations, have a standardized aging and geriatrics course, and potentially incorporate geriatrics as a specialty tract within dental hygiene programs.Conclusion: Geriatrics may not be covered in sufficient depth to prepare entry-level dental hygiene students for work with these populations in direct access settings. Findings from this study may be used to support improvements in geriatric curriculum for entry-level dental hygiene programs. Future research is needed to determine necessary focus and most effective way to disseminate this curricular content.
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Higienistas Dentales , Higiene Bucal , Anciano , Curriculum , Humanos , Salud Bucal , Estudiantes , Estados UnidosRESUMEN
Purpose: The state of Oregon developed the expanded practice dental hygienist (EPDH), to address oral health care disparities. The establishment of collaborative practice agreements between dental hygienists (DH) and physician assistants (PA), has created a need for interprofessional education (IPE) for future interprofessional collaboration with EPDHs. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of an IPE intervention on future interest in collaborative practice agreements.Methods: Current and former DH and PA students from Pacific University Oregon (n=420) were invited to participate in an electronic survey. The 39-item survey included questions related to an annual IPE activity and questions related to collaborative practice agreements between PAs and EPDHs. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data.Results: A total of 80 DHs and PAs completed the survey for a response rate of 19%. There were high levels of agreement between DHs and PAs in regards to valuing the expertise of other health care providers, teamworking skills and interprofessional collaboration for a better understanding of a patient's condition. Only 18.9% (n=7) of the DH respondents and 25.6% of the PA respondents (n=11) were aware of the collaborative practice agreements for Oregon EPDHs.Conclusion: Participants from DH and PA disciplines agreed patient care is improved by collaborative practice fostered through interprofessional education activities. Multiple approaches may be needed to increase knowledge on the EPDH collaborative practice agreements with PAs in Oregon.
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Higienistas Dentales , Asistentes Médicos , Actitud del Personal de Salud , Humanos , Relaciones Interprofesionales , Oregon , Atención al PacienteRESUMEN
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify current requirements for initial licensure and entry into the dental hygiene profession across state dental and dental hygiene licensing boards in the United States.Methods: A non-experimental study design was used to study dental and dental hygiene board licensing requirements in the United States, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Each regulatory board website was searched for requirements for entry-level dental hygiene licensure. Requirements were recorded on an Excel spreadsheet. State dental practice acts were reviewed to gather further information and 20 regulatory bodies were contacted to verify accuracy. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data.Results: Information from a total of 52 dental boards (n=52) was examined for this study. Nearly all boards (n=51, 98.1%), with the exception of Alabama, required completion of entry-level education from a CODA accredited dental hygiene program and successful completion of the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination. Most states (n=51, 98.1%), except Delaware, also required a live-patient, a clinical board examination. Application fees ranged from $47.70 to $600. States varied considerably in terms of requirements for background checks, age, military status, and infection control training.Conclusion: Although the majority of regulatory bodies require completion of entry-level dental hygiene education from a CODA accredited program and successful completion of national board and a live-patient, clinical examination, there is considerable variation in other additional requirements for initial dental hygiene licensure.
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Concesión de Licencias , Higiene Bucal , Higienistas Dentales , Humanos , Licencia en Odontología , Práctica Profesional , Estados UnidosRESUMEN
Purpose: Dental hygienists have increased opportunities as work-force models expand opportunities for the profession. The purpose of this study was to identify entry-level dental hygiene program directors' perceptions regarding advancing accreditation standards in dental hygiene education.Methods: An electronic questionnaire was distributed via three mailings during the spring semester of 2019 to the 332 entry-level dental hygiene program directors across the United States for this exploratory, descriptive study. The survey instrument addressed the various dimensions related to changing the accreditation standard for the entry-level dental hygienists to the baccalaureate degree. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests of association were used to analyze results.Results: A total of 178 responses were received (n=178) for a response rate of 53.6%. Most program directors agreed students complete three years of college education (n=152, 85.4%), and should be educated to understand current and emerging workforce delivery models (n=166, 93.2%). More than half disagreed (n=94, 52.9%) with the statement that there is ample time in the curriculum to prepare students for employment in a variety of oral healthcare settings. Respondents were equally divided concerning changing the accreditation standard for the entry-level to the baccalaureate degree but were in support of modifying the standard to require didactic educators to have a master's degree.Conclusion: Dental hygiene program directors were divided regarding advancing accreditation standards to the baccalaureate degree for entry-level dental hygienists. Further research is needed to include dental hygiene educators' and leaders' perspectives to provide comparative information and a greater understanding regarding increasing accreditation standards.
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Higienistas Dentales , Higiene Bucal , Acreditación , Curriculum , Humanos , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Estados UnidosRESUMEN
Purpose: Childhood caries disproportionately effects children who are poor, live in low-income rural and urban areas, and come from racial and ethnic minority groups. The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of public policy related to dental hygienists' level of supervision and policy uptake at the state level on the organization, delivery, and financing of school-based oral health programs (SBOHP).Methods: A multiple case study methodology was used to compare SBOHPs in the states of Missouri and Kansas. Interviews were conducted with an administrator, dental hygienist, and dentist at each Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) that operated a SBOHP. Mixed methods were used to conduct and analyze interviews, examine supporting documents, and to report descriptive details. Analytic categories were used to examine the various facets of the organizational structures, delivery processes, financing and billing, and operations.Results: Five themes revealing differences between two states emerged; historical development of SBOHPs, the structure of SBOHPs, staffing and professional relationships, finance and billing, and capacity of school-based oral health network.Conclusion: Dental hygienists' supervision requirements play a critical role in school-aged children's access to oral health services and the capacity of SBOHPs. The variations in the degree of practice autonomy accorded to dental hygienists under the Missouri and Kansas dental practice acts resulted in different oral health delivery models. Greater autonomy for dental hygienists is essential for realizing the promise of dental public health.
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Salud Bucal , Recursos Humanos , Niño , Higienistas Dentales , Etnicidad , Humanos , Kansas , Grupos Minoritarios , MissouriRESUMEN
Purpose: As the United States continues to face increasing demands for oral health care, many states are examining alternative provider models as well as the role the dental hygienist (DH) can play in meeting access to care needs. The purpose of this study was to assess the opinions of dentists and DHs about incorporating a dental therapist (DT) into a regional dental group (RDG) located in the Pacific Northwest.Methods: Cross-sectional, validated electronic surveys were sent to the dentists (n=220) and DHs (n=187) employed by a RDG. Survey items included open and close ended questions and Likert scale items. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data.Results: Responses were received from 38% of the dentists (n= 84) and 46% of the DHs surveyed (n=86). Dentists and DHs differed significantly in their opinions of the need for a DT midlevel provider, the level of supervision needed, scope of practice, and appropriate tuition for DT education programs (p<0.001). Three-fourths of the DH respondents indicated that they were very or somewhat interested in becoming a DT. A majority of dentists (58%) and DHs (76%) were open to having a DT as part of their RDG (p=0.017).Conclusion: Although dentists and DHs differed significantly in their opinions regarding the dental therapy midlevel provider, the majority of dentists and DHs surveyed were open to having a DT as part of their team within the RDG.
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Higienistas Dentales , Odontólogos , Actitud del Personal de Salud , Estudios Transversales , Humanos , Noroeste de Estados Unidos , Salud Bucal , Encuestas y CuestionariosRESUMEN
Purpose: Many states are exploring alternative provider models and examining the role of the dental hygienist to address access to care challenges as the United States continues to face increasing demands for oral healthcare services. The purpose of this study was to assess dental hygienists' opinions in the state of Oregon regarding the current limitations of dental hygienists' scope of practice, perceived need for a mid-level provider in Oregon, and personal interest in becoming a mid-level provider.Methods: In December 2013 a survey was mailed to a sample of 1,231 dental hygienists registered in Oregon representing 30% of the licentiates. All licentiates holding expanded practice permits (EPP) were included in the sample (n=351). The following categories were included in the 32-question survey: scope of practice, mid-level provider, current practice, and demographics.Results: A total of 440 surveys were returned for a response rate of 36%. Of the EPP holders, 51% responded to the survey. Over half of respondents (59%) believe that a mid-level provider is needed in the state. Respondents holding membership in the American Dental Hygienists' Association, as well as EPP holders, were significantly more likely to respond that a mid-level dental provider was needed in the state (p<0.0001). Ninety-one percent (n=400) of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that if a mid-level provider was introduced in Oregon, the new provider should be a registered dental hygienist model. Forty-three percent (n=186) of respondents were interested in becoming mid-level providers and 47% (n=203) of respondents believed that the minimum education for a mid-level provider should be a bachelor's degree. The majority, 74% (n=137), of those interested in becoming a mid-level provider indicated a preference in completing their education through online teaching combined with a clinical internship.Conclusion: There is strong support from dental hygienists in Oregon that a need exists for a mid-level dental provider and that this provider model should be dental hygiene based. Individuals interested in developing a curriculum for a mid-level provider should consider including online teaching components with a clinical internship component.
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Actitud del Personal de Salud , Higienistas Dentales/educación , Higienistas Dentales/psicología , Higiene Bucal/educación , Percepción , Adulto , Curriculum , Educación a Distancia , Femenino , Accesibilidad a los Servicios de Salud , Humanos , Internado y Residencia , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Salud Bucal , Oregon , Práctica Profesional , Salud Pública , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
Purpose: Dental diseases are almost entirely preventable, but discrepancies in access to oral healthcare limit the effectiveness of preventive interventions. Dental hygienists are strategically positioned to improve access to preventive dental procedures; however, state workforce policies determine their permitted clinical tasks.Methods: This study cross-referenced oral healthcare service use at Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) between 2004 and 2012 with the Dental Hygiene Professional Practice Index (DHPPI), which quantifies the various aspects of state policy environments for the dental hygiene workforce. More specifically, the study used generalized linear mixed-effects models to examine the influence of state policy environment on access to dental care at 958 FQHC grantees.Results: States with "favorable" policy environments consistently reported the highest proportion of FQHC patients accessing dental care services (18%), whereas states with "restrictive" environments reported the lowest proportion (12%).Conclusion: A smaller proportion of FQHC patients' receive dental examinations in states with restrictive state workforce policies; state lawmakers should frame workforce policies to protect public safety without limiting the oral health workforce's ability to provide important oral health services to underserved people.
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Atención Odontológica , Servicios de Salud Dental , Política de Salud , Accesibilidad a los Servicios de Salud , Poblaciones Vulnerables , Higienistas Dentales , Humanos , Estudios Longitudinales , Área sin Atención Médica , Salud Bucal , Práctica Profesional , Gobierno Estatal , Estados UnidosRESUMEN
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess impact of operator positioning on the development of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and workforce issues among practicing dental hygienists in the state of Mississippi.Methods: The sample consisted of all dental hygienists (n=1,553) licensed in the state of Mississippi. A modified 47 item, online version of the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire was used to document the following: types of MSDs, practice history, operator positioning, ergonomic work habits and the impact of MSDs on workforce issues. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze practice history and work habits. Chi-square analysis examined the relationship between operator positioning and MSDs as well as the relationship between the onset of MSDs and their impact on patient workload, work hours, time off from work, and ability to practice clinical dental hygiene. Survival analyses were used to test the onset of MSDs in relationship to operator positioning.Results: The survey yielded a 22% (n=338) response rate. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of MSDs between those sitting in front of the patient as compared to those sitting behind the patient (PL) (χ2 (1) = 1.67, p=0.196), although respondents sitting behind the patient reported developing their MSDs earlier (χ2 (1) = 3.92, p=0.048). Of the participants who had practiced 15 or more years, 85% reported developing MSDs. However, only 13% reported ever having to modify their patient load. Sixteen percent reported reducing work hours and 21% reported taking time off from work due to MSDs.Conclusions: Regardless of the operator position used, the majority of practicing dental hygienists surveyed developed MSDs earlier than has been previously reported in the literature. Workforce related issues were not shown to have a negative impact on this study population.
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Higienistas Dentales , Enfermedades Musculoesqueléticas/epidemiología , Enfermedades Profesionales/epidemiología , Postura , Humanos , Mississippi/epidemiología , Prevalencia , Factores de Riesgo , Análisis y Desempeño de TareasRESUMEN
Purpose: To assess the perceptions and attitudes of dental hygiene (DH) educators at selected colleges and universities regarding the establishment of doctoral educational programs in DH in the United States.Methods: An online survey of DH educators at the 58 U.S. schools offering baccalaureate or master's degree programs was used to assess participants' perceptions and attitudes regarding the following: need to establish doctoral programs in DH, interests in supporting their development, potential barriers and facilitators, and goals/motivators of potential enrollees. Percentages of respondents selecting each response were calculated for each survey item and responses of selected items analyzed for significant differences.Results: Of 608 potential participants, 203 completed the survey for a 33% response rate. More than half the respondents strongly agreed and a quarter more agreed that a DH doctoral program was needed to relate equitably with doctoral graduates of other health-related disciplines and to expand the DH body of knowledge by conducting discipline-specific research. A majority indicated likely interest in supporting the development of both clinically oriented and research-based doctoral programs. Significantly (p<0.01) more respondents with doctorates were interested in developing doctoral programs than those with a master's degree as their terminal degree. Respondents identified shortages of qualified educators and interested enrollees as primary barriers. Facilitators included support from the American Dental Education Association and the American Dental Hygienists' Association. Becoming a better researcher and an institutional administrator were perceived as chief motivations.Conclusion: The majority of DH educators perceived that doctoral educational programs in DH are needed to advance the DH profession.
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Higienistas Dentales/educación , Humanos , Higiene Bucal , Percepción , Encuestas y CuestionariosRESUMEN
Purpose: To determine the perceptions of California dental hygienists (DHs) regarding mandatory continued competence requirements (MCCRs) as a condition for license renewal.Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional survey was distributed through email by the California Dental Hygienists' Association (CDHA). The CDHA agreed to send a link to the survey and informed consent information to DHs whose email addresses were in the CDHA database. The online survey consisted of 19 items. All survey responses were analyzed using frequency distributions for categorical variables and means for continuous variables. Chi-square tests assessed associations between variables and differences between groups. The Wilcoxon signed rank test assessed relationships between perceptions and support of MCCRs for license renewal.Results: Almost all (93%) believed that they have remained competent to deliver care since licensure. Over half agreed that continued competence should be verified throughout ones' professional career (53%). Most (81%) agreed that continued competence is important for patient safety and well-being. Less than half (47%) supported MCCRs as a condition of license renewal; however, 51% of those who agreed that competence is important for patient safety and well-being and 67% of those who agreed with verification of competence were in support of MCCRs.Conclusion: While California DHs agreed that continued competence is important for patient safety and well-being and verification of competence is important, less than half supported MCCRs. Prior to instituting mandate for license renewal in California, continued competence and methods to ensure continued competence throughout ones' career should be defined.
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Actitud del Personal de Salud , Higienistas Dentales , Concesión de Licencias , Competencia Profesional , California , Estudios Transversales , Humanos , Encuestas y CuestionariosRESUMEN
Purpose: To assess senior dental students' knowledge and attitudes toward dental hygienists' contributions to comprehensive patient care and to compare the responses of students from two dental schools, one with a dental hygiene (DH) program, and one without a DH program.Methods: Senior dental students from one school with DH (n=363) and one without DH (n=111) were requested to complete a 15-item survey assessing knowledge of clinical duties of licensed dental hygienists, attitudes regarding outcomes of collaborating with hygienists, and demographic characteristics. Responses were collated, and frequencies of responses for each item were analyzed by Qualtrics software program. The chi-square test was used to compare responses of the two groups of dental students.Results: The response rate was 27%. More respondents from the school with DH than those from the school without DH significantly agreed to these statements: "collaborating with DH students in school, has given, or would have given me, a better understanding of the value a dental hygienist brings to my future dental practice" (p=0.02) and "having a DH program at a dental school leads to patients receiving more comprehensive preventive care" (p=0.01). The likelihood of employing a dental hygienist was not significantly different between the two groups of students. The perceived high financial cost was the most frequent reason not to employ a hygienist.Conclusion: Collaboration of dental and DH students in entry-level education results in dental students' greater understanding and support of the dental hygienists' contributions to comprehensive patient care.
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Actitud del Personal de Salud , Higienistas Dentales , Estudiantes de Odontología , Humanos , Relaciones Interprofesionales , Higiene Bucal , Atención al Paciente , Facultades de Odontología , Encuestas y CuestionariosRESUMEN
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to gather data from first- and second-year dental hygiene students concerning their perceptions of the benefits and possible impediments to effective patient communication. Additionally, the students were asked to theorize as to the impact emerging communication technologies could have on oral health promotion, practice administration and patient/provider communication.Methods: A self-administered questionnaire of 6 open-ended queries was employed. Thematic analysis was conducted to reveal themes related to their perceived ability to effectively communicate, perceived barriers to communication, possible solutions to lessen or eliminate these barriers, and the impact of emerging technologies on interpersonal communication.Results: The questionnaire was completed by 63 of 68 students (93%). Patient apathy and patient unwillingness to change detrimental health-related habits were the most frequently cited barriers to effective communication. Of the students having patient contact, many stated that they were less sure of their ability to communicate effectively if the patient differed from themselves, such as being elderly or being from another culture. While most of the students believed their fundamental communication skills were good, many noted that improving their higher-order skills, such as conveying empathy or displaying a nonjudgmental attitude, were essential to being more effective communicators. Many students felt emerging technologies such as universal translators could potentially assist them in overcoming some of their perceived deficiencies.Conclusion: While perceived inadequacies will likely diminish as the students gain more experience in school and later in private practice, dental hygiene programs may wish to consider implementing additional structured educational experiences to better prepare students to address patient apathy and to effectively convey a sense of personal compassion. Promoting student involvement in community outreach activities and providing a variety of service learning opportunities, including foreign travel, may broaden student experiences and deepen their awareness and appreciation of verbal and nonverbal communications displayed by differing cultures.