J Dent Hyg. 2024 Dec;98(6):6-15.
ABSTRACT
Purpose Access to dental care has been an ongoing issue in the United States (US), impacting the individuals who directly experience the consequences of limited access to dental services. This study explores the relationship between residence in dental health professional shortage areas (DHPSA) and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among dental patients.Methods Subjects were recruited from the patient population of the University of Minnesota's prosthodontic clinic. Data were collected from 129 volunteers who completed surveys assessing oral health-related quality of life using the 5-item Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) in which higher scores indicate lower impact. The participants' residence in a DHPSA was determined, and demographic factors including age, gender, ethnicity, race, insurance type, education level, and number of teeth were also examined. Descriptive statistics and bivariable analyses were conducted to assess associations between variables.Results No significant association was found between residence in shortage areas and oral health-related quality of life. Participants residing in geographic (p=0.38) and population shortage areas (p=0.32) did not exhibit significantly different mean oral health impact profile summary scores compared to those in non-shortage areas. However, there was a significant difference in mean summary scores based on the number of teeth (p=0.00), with participants having 0-19 teeth reporting a higher mean score (mean=6.6, SD=5.2) compared to those with 20-32 teeth (mean=3.3, SD=3.5). While certain demographic factors showed trends, such as Hispanic or Latino participants reporting higher oral health impact scores, and those with higher education levels reporting lower health impact scores, no statistically significant differences were found.Conclusion Participants reported similar oral health impacts whether or not they lived in an area with a dental health professional shortage. This highlights the importance of considering multiple factors when understanding the impacts on oral health-related quality of life.
PMID:39658071
J Dent Hyg. 2024 Dec;98(6):27-40.
ABSTRACT
Purpose Escape rooms are a gamification tool that are increasingly implemented in educational contexts. The aim of this scoping review was to examine the breadth and depth of how educational escape rooms are being used in health professions education, what educational goals are being achieved, and how these objectives are being assessed.Methods Following PRISMA guidelines, a search of six databases using the key terms "escape room" and "health professional" was conducted. The resulting publications were selected based on pre-determined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data was extracted for remaining articles.Results Seventeen studies were included in the scoping review. The results show that educational escape rooms are primarily used to reinforce and integrate knowledge with soft skills, clinical skills and didactic knowledge being the primary competencies being investigated. Researchers primarily examined participant experiences with escape rooms.Conclusion Escape rooms were generally well received by participants and positively impacted motivation and engagement. Educators can greatly benefit from combining escape rooms with traditional teaching methods to improve the learning experiences of health professional trainees.
PMID:39658069
J Dent Hyg. 2024 Dec;98(6):53-57.
ABSTRACT
The concepts of reliability and validity are explored in this short report. The importance of assuring that data collection tools are both reliable and valid are explored for use in quantitative, qualitative, and mixed method study designs. Quantitative and qualitative attributes for achieving reliability and validity are provided. Discussion of when information collected and presented is not reliable and valid impacts the body of scientific knowledge and researcher credibility.
PMID:39658068
J Dent Hyg. 2024 Dec;98(6):16-26.
ABSTRACT
Purpose Immunization rates can be influenced by community access to immunizations and vaccine promotion from eligible providers. The purpose of this study was to assess the perceptions, willingness, and challenges of vaccine administration among Indiana dental hygienists.Methods This cross-sectional study targeted Indiana-licensed dental hygienists. The survey instrument consisted of six multiple-choice demographic questions; 13 items used a 5-point Likert-type rating scale to measure perceptions about vaccines and willingness to administer vaccines; one rank-in-order question of seven challenges associated with administering vaccines; and two open-ended questions for additional information and comments. Purposive sampling was used, and the electronic survey was promoted through emails, social media, and direct messages. Categorical variables were analyzed and reported using percentages and frequencies. Open-ended answers were examined and reported in the results.Results Seventy-one Indiana-licensed dental hygienists responded to the survey and were included in the analysis. Most had positive perceptions on vaccines and administering vaccines; 62.3% of the respondents agreed that offering vaccinations in the dental office would improve access to immunizations for patients; 76.8% were willing to receive training to administer vaccines and 66.7% were willing to consider administering vaccines if permitted by the Indiana State Practice Act. While most respondents (77.9%) perceived licensed dental hygienists as competent to administer vaccines, fewer felt comfortable administering vaccines to children (57.8%) as compared adults (63.1%). Education and training were identified as the greatest challenges associated with administering vaccines.Conclusion Dental hygienists in this study indicated a willingness to fill the role of non-traditional vaccinators. Increasing the number of eligible healthcare workers, who can administer vaccines in Indiana would increase vaccine access and improve state immunization rates. Policymakers should consider amending the dental hygiene practice act to include vaccine administration as part of the permitted duties for dental hygienists in Indiana.
PMID:39658067
J Dent Hyg. 2024 Dec;98(6):41-52.
ABSTRACT
Purpose Students can play an influential role in the assessment process of dental hygiene programs; however, little is known about how students contribute to program improvements. The purpose of this study was to explore the correlations between dental hygiene students' participation in program assessments and program improvements.Methods The adapted National Institute Learning Outcomes Assessment questionnaire survey was distributed via email to 325 dental hygiene program administrators in the United States identified from the Commission on Dental Accreditation database. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the professional characteristics of the respondents. Spearman's rank-order correlation was used to analyze the responses from the closed-ended ranked questionnaire. Responses to open-ended questions were reviewed for common themes.Results Fifty-five eligible program administrators completed the online questionnaire. Correlations were found between students' participation in assessment methods and contribution to program improvements in areas of the self-study process, program learning goals, curriculum, instruction, and overall program performance. The strongest correlations were evident between student participation in the capstone course and revising program curriculum (rs=.444, p=.001), revising program learning goals (rs=.468, p<.001), and improving instruction (rs=.481, p<.001). Open-ended responses revealed changes made in the program curriculum, teaching practice, academic policy, and assessment practice.Conclusion Results from this study showed dental hygiene program administrators felt that students who participate or are represented in assessments made contributions to program improvement. Administrators should consider student participation in the dental hygiene program planning and assessment processes.
PMID:39658066
J Dent Hyg. 2024 Oct;98(5):7-15.
ABSTRACT
Purpose Dental professionals are exposed to hazardous noise levels on a daily basis in clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to compare the hearing status of dental hygienists who utilize ultrasonic scalers in the workplace compared to age-matched control participants (non-dental hygienists) who were not exposed to ultrasonic noise.Methods A convenience sample of nineteen dental hygienists (experimental) and nineteen non-dental hygienists (control) was recruited for this study. A matched pairs design was utilized; participants in each group were matched based on age and gender to eliminate confounding variables. The testing procedure consisted of an audiologist performing a series of auditory tests including otoacoustic emissions test, pure-tone audiometry, and tympanometry on the experimental and control groups.Results In the right ear, there were notable differences from 1000 Hz - 10,000 Hz and in the left ear from 6000 Hz - 10,000 Hz, with higher hearing thresholds in the experimental group of dental hygienists. While 56% of the univariate tests conducted on how many days were worked per week showed statistical significance, the regression line slope indicated those that worked more days had better hearing statuses. The variables for years in practice for dental hygienists, how many of those years were full-time employment, and how many years the dental hygienist had used an ultrasonic scaling device, also had many significant univariate tests for the experimental group only. These variables were more likely to serve as proxies representing true noise exposure. The paired t-test between the groups demonstrated statistically significant differences between the experimental and control group at 9000 Hz in both ears.Conclusion While results from this study demonstrated various qualitative differences in hearing status of the control group (non-dental hygienists) and experimental group (dental hygienists), age was found to be the most critical variable. Furthermore, this data demonstrated differences in hearing status based on various frequencies between dental hygienists and age-matched controls that should be further explored with a larger population.
PMID:39406492
J Dent Hyg. 2024 Oct;98(5):51-54.
ABSTRACT
Descriptive statistics (DS) play a crucial role in establishing a solid foundation for study analysis and are important for understanding the results of a study or data set. If the data from DS is used incorrectly, the study may be misinterpreted. Descriptive statistics summarizes and organizes data, making analysis easier and providing an overview of the characteristics of sampled data. This analysis is comprised of measures of central tendency, which includes the mean, median, and mode of a particular data set. Understanding how to use each metric is essential for basic statistical analysis. The purpose of this short report is to review descriptive statistics and describe how to best utilize them during data analysis. The authors aim to provide this short report as an educational resource to assist the dental hygiene research community in understanding statistical analysis through descriptive statistics.
PMID:39406491
J Dent Hyg. 2024 Oct;98(5):34-44.
ABSTRACT
Purpose Low-income children experience disproportionately high rates of dental caries and challenges in accessing dental care compared to their higher-income peers. The purpose of this scoping review was to examine the prevalence of dental caries and dental service utilization among Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) enrolled children.Methods The literature search and review were conducted between September 2023 and February 2024. The review followed the PRISMA-ScR reporting guidelines and included three databases: PubMed, CINAHL, and Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source. The study focused on children aged one to five participating in WIC within the United States (US) and aimed to determine the prevalence of dental service utilization and dental caries in the targeted population.Results This review includes twelve articles that are quantitative observational studies conducted from February 2001 to February 2023. Most of the studies were conducted in WIC programs in the Southern and Midwest regions of the US. Dental caries rates decreased by 61.8% from 2004 to 2016, with the highest prevalence in 2004, and the lowest prevalence in 2016. Dental service utilization among WIC children increased by 56.9% from 1992 to 2020.Conclusion There has been an increase in dental service utilization among WIC-enrolled children, with an overall decrease in dental caries over the last two decades. However, the prevalence of dental caries remains disproportionately high for children enrolled in WIC when compared to non-participants. To develop effective dental interventions for children enrolled in WIC, it is fundamental to identify the unique determinants of dental caries in this population.
PMID:39406489
J Dent Hyg. 2024 Oct;98(5):22-33.
ABSTRACT
Purpose Health care professionals (HCPs) working collaboratively can improve patient outcomes and also increase their understanding of each other's professional roles. This descriptive study aimed to explore dental hygienists' perceptions of collaboration with dentists and intraprofessional educational (IntraPE) experiences.Methods A convenience sampling method was used to assess DHs perceptions of collaboration with dentists using the Interprofessional Collaboration Scale (ICS), a validated scale that measures perceptions of communication, accommodation, and isolation among HCPs. One open-ended question was added to explore IntraPE. Demographics, work characteristics and responses from the ICS were analyzed using frequency, mean, standard deviation, Pearson's correlation, t-test, ANOVA, and multivariable regression. Responses from the open-ended question were transcribed, organized, and coded. Themes were identified using the Delve Qualitative Analysis Tool.Results Of the 264 participants, the average age was 38.9, and most identified as female (98.9%). Data analysis revealed that DHs had positive perceptions of collaboration with dentists. Significant relationships were found between ICS factor accommodation and the average number of patients treated per day (rs = -0.242, p<0.001), dentists' age (rs = -.145, p<0.05). Isolation showed a significant negative correlation with the average number of patients treated per day (rs = -0.156, p<0.05). Most reported having no opportunities for IntraPE education experiences with dentists. Five categories of themes were identified from the open-ended question: shared academic setting, clinic dentist, externships, desire for more shared learning, and shared patient experiences.Conclusion Dental hygienists in this study had an overall more positive than negative perception of collaboration with dentists. Dental and dental hygiene programs should focus on intraprofessional education experiences to continue to enhance collaboration.
PMID:39406488
J Dent Hyg. 2024 Oct;98(5):45-50.
ABSTRACT
In the dental hygiene discipline, evidence-based practice serves as a cornerstone for delivering high quality patient care and moving professional standards forward. As practitioners delve deeper into research to inform clinical decision making, the integration of robust survey methodologies becomes imperative. However, the complexities of survey design, implementation, and analysis pose notable challenges, particularly in ensuring the reliability and validity of research outcomes. This short report provides brief practical guidance about the basics of survey research methodologies for dental hygiene professionals.
PMID:39406487
J Dent Hyg. 2024 Oct;98(5):16-21.
ABSTRACT
Purpose The posterior superior alveolar (PSA) block injection is one of many techniques used to provide profound anesthesia for invasive dental procedures. This technique has a high success rate but is not without complication risks. The purpose of this study was to determine if pulpal anesthesia of the maxillary second molar could be achieved using a reduced needle depth of 10mm or 5mm compared to the traditional needle depth of 16mm.Methods Sixty participants were asked to participate in three sessions. Each session started with a pre neural response test, followed by one randomized needle depth PSA injection, and ending with a post neural response test. The neural response test consisted of two parts, a cold refrigerant and a dental probe, on the buccal and interproximal surface of the maxillary second molar. After receiving a positive neural response, each participant received a posterior superior alveolar block injection using a short (21mm), 27-gauge dental needle with a randomized needle penetration depth of 16mm, 10mm, or 5mm. A post neural response test consisting of the same two parts as the pre-test was conducted on the maxillary second molar to evaluate for profound anesthesia.Results Positive neural responses were obtained from 100% of the participants (n=167) during the pre-tests. Study results demonstrated an 85% success rate at the traditional 16mm needle depth and a 93% and 92% success rates for the reduced needle depths of 10mm and 5mm, respectively. Pulpal anesthesia of the maxillary second molar had been achieved at all three needle depths with no statistically significant difference in the rate of success. Furthermore, there were no adverse events observed.Conclusion The reduced needle depth technique showed promise in achieving desired results of pulpal anesthesia with a reduced risk for complications associated with the PSA block injection. Additional studies are recommended to achieve evidence-based support for this reduced needle depth technique.
PMID:39406486
J Dent Hyg. 2024 Aug;98(4):56-61.
ABSTRACT
Qualitative research is a relatively new approach for conducting studies in health disciplines. The value of this research approach is to explore peoples' experiences and gain a deeper understanding of the meaning of their experiences. Qualitative inquiries answer research questions about what, why and how by implementing various research designs such as qualitative descriptive, qualitative case study, ethnological, phenomenology, or grounded theory designs. Purposive and snowball sampling methods are commonly used to recruit participants followed by personal interviews or focus group discussions to collect data. Data analysis requires several coding procedures performed by the researcher or an alternative is using a coding software program. Preparing a manuscript for dissemination of the results can be challenging, although achievable.
PMID:39137996
J Dent Hyg. 2024 Aug;98(4):9-19.
ABSTRACT
Purpose Many adults in the United States struggle with mild, moderate, or severe dental anxiety (DA). Understanding the perspectives of patients with DA may help oral health professionals gain greater insight into their needs and learn how to provide an improved experience for these patients. The purpose of this study was to identify patients' perspectives on factors that impact anxiety in a dental practice setting.Methods A qualitative, descriptive case study design was used to identify patients' perspectives on factors impacting anxiety in a dental practice setting. Potential participants were screened using the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) and needed a moderate DA score to qualify for the study. An interview guide focused on obtaining information about the etiology, contributing factors, management strategies, and participant experiences of DA was used for the semi-structured virtual interviews. Responses were coded using a qualitative research analytic platform (Dedoose; Los Angeles, CA, USA). The co-investigators systematically reviewed the codes using the classic qualitative analysis strategies and journal notes to identify themes and subthemes.Results Twenty-two individuals qualified for participation in this study. Most participants reported having DA beginning in early childhood and throughout their adult life. Seven themes, including Avoidance, Supportive Behaviors, Confidence in Provider, Diversion, Enduring, Adaptations, and Benevolence emerged. Participants reported their primary method for managing DA was to avoid attending their dental appointments.Conclusion Participants in this study expressed various coping mechanisms and management strategies to alleviate the symptoms of DA. Multiple opportunities exist for increasing patient-provider trust and patient comfort to reduce DA, and ultimately improve the oral health status of individuals with DA.
PMID:39137995
J Dent Hyg. 2024 Aug;98(4):20-27.
ABSTRACT
Purpose Empathetic engagement is considered a vital component in forming respect-based relationships between patients and clinicians, leading to more optimal patient care. The purpose of this study was to explore whether there was a relationship between dental hygiene students' levels of empathy and student demographics including age, gender, year in school, and the degree type of dental hygiene program attending.Methods This was a cross-sectional observation study conducted among dental hygiene undergraduate students attending three dental hygiene programs in the Midwestern United States. Two programs offered associate degrees and one offered a baccalaureate degree. Participants completed the 20-item Jefferson Scale of Empathy©, student edition (JSE-S) along with demographic questions including age, gender, year in dental hygiene program, and degree type of dental hygiene program. Descriptive statistics and comparisons of the empathy scores were conducted using t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Regressions were conducted to determine whether the students' year in dental hygiene program and the type of degree program were predictors of empathy.Results Forty-one participants completed the questionnaire for a 65% response rate. The mean empathy score was 83.05 ± 10.04 among the participants. There were no statistically significant differences between levels of empathy of first- and second-year students or those attending a two-year institution versus a four-year university. Age, year in program, and type of degree were not shown to be predictors of empathy.Conclusion Results from this study did not show relationships or predictors of empathy with dental hygiene students' demographics or type of degree program. Future research should expand beyond a small homogenous convenience sample and include a longitudinal gauge to assess potential fluctuations in empathy as students progress throughout the curriculum and as practicing clinicians.
PMID:39137992
J Dent Hyg. 2024 Aug;98(4):50-55.
ABSTRACT
Traumatic experiences can impact individuals' oral health and how they experience dental treatment in ways patients and their dental providers may or may not initially anticipate. As approximately half of children and two-thirds of adults in the United States have experienced some type of traumatic event, it is critically important for providers to be aware of patients' trauma histories and to appropriately provide trauma-informed care to their patients when needed. Individuals with a trauma history may experience significant anxiety and distress in the dental setting, even for treatment many providers and patients consider to be "simple," such as a brief intraoral examination, radiographs, or prophylaxis. Such aspects of the dental setting may trigger memories and emotions related to the original trauma and may re-traumatize patients. This short report introduces links between traumatic history, poor oral health, and dental care-related fear and anxiety. Additionally, this paper briefly describes how dental hygienists can provide compassionate trauma-informed care to their patients with the goal of providing whole-person care that considers patients' comfort, health goals, and prior experiences. Specific recommendations for providing trauma-informed care to children and adults within the scope of dental hygiene practice are provided, as is suggested wording for acknowledging a patient's prior trauma and tailoring dental care to accommodate patient experiences and concerns. As dental hygienists are often the oral health providers spending the most time with patients, they are uniquely positioned to provide compassionate effective trauma-informed care to patients with past traumatic experiences.
PMID:39137991
J Dent Hyg. 2024 Aug;98(4):28-36.
ABSTRACT
Purpose Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a highly contagious virus that manifests as a painful lesion and recurrences can be distressing to patients. The purpose of this pilot study was to determine if the use of a 70% ethanol alcohol hand sanitizer alters the duration, size of the lesion, level of pain upon administering treatment, and overall daily discomfort during outbreak.Methods This study was a double-blind randomized controlled trial (RCT) using 70% ethanol alcohol hand sanitizer for the experiment and medical grade mineral oil for the control group. The treatment and the control were dispensed in lip gloss applicators for applying medicament. Data was collected through the initial examination, a daily journal, photographs, and a reexamination day. Descriptive statistics and the independent sample t-test were used to analyze data (p=0.05).Results A total of 20 individuals completed the research study: ten in the experimental group and ten in the control group. The mean duration of HSV-1 lesions for the control group was 10.3 days while the mean duration of the HSV-1 lesions for the experimental group was 7.6 days. The mean size of lesions for the control group was 4.87 mm; the mean size for the experimental group was 4.25 mm. The mean pain score for the control group was 1.08 and the mean pain score for the experimental group was 2.74. The mean discomfort score for the control group was 1.33 while the mean discomfort score for the experimental group was 1.72. There was no statistically significant difference between the experimental and control groups in terms of duration, size of lesions, pain, and discomfort.Conclusion Based on the results of this pilot study, 70% ethanol alcohol hand sanitizer did not demonstrate statistical significance in the treatment and management of HSV-1 lesions. Additional research is needed with a larger sample size to determine if statistical differences can be measured.
PMID:39137990
J Dent Hyg. 2024 Aug;98(4):37-49.
ABSTRACT
Purpose Concerns regarding the ethical justification for the use of single-encounter, procedure-based examinations on live patients for the licensure of dental hygienists and dentists in the United States persists despite decades of debate and publication on the subject. The purpose of this literature review was to summarize the specific ethical concerns and quantify recommendations in favor or against this examination methodology.Methods A population, intervention, control or comparison, outcome (PICO) question was developed to review the topic as follows: "For individuals receiving dental care as part of determination of candidates for competency and readiness for licensure, do patient-based licensure examinations, as compared to other assessment methods, violate or infringe upon ethical principles or ethical standards for health care or society?" An electronic search was performed in three databases: PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Embase. Key search terms and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) included the following: ethics, clinical, competence, dental, dental hygiene, dentistry, education, licensure, live patient, and practice.Results Ethical concerns about the use of patient examinations have been published in the professional literature for over 35 years. Of the 29 selected or endpoint articles identified, 27 articles cited one or more ethical concerns relating to single-encounter patient-based examinations while 20 articles recommended the elimination of this type of examination with an additional 6 articles citing elimination as an option in resolving the ethical issues regarding this type of licensure examination.Conclusion The literature holds a predominant, prevailing professional opinion that single-encounter, procedure-based examinations on live patients presents significant ethical concerns and should be eliminated as a method in initial dental hygiene and dental licensure. The literature also suggests that state dental boards should initiate corrective regulatory or legislative actions to expeditiously end recognition of live patient examinations in their licensure processes.
PMID:39137989