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Journal of Dental Education Feb 2017Engaging other health care providers in oral health-related activities and interprofessional care (IPC) could increase access to oral health care for underserved...
Engaging other health care providers in oral health-related activities and interprofessional care (IPC) could increase access to oral health care for underserved populations in the U.S. The aims of this study were to assess dental hygiene, dental, and medical students' intra- and interprofessional and oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS)/hospital dentistry-related knowledge/skills, attitudes, and behavior; determine whether first and second year vs. third and fourth year cohorts' responses differed; and explore how intra- and interprofessional knowledge was related to interprofessional education (IPE) and interprofessional attitudes and behavior. Data were collected between April 2014 and May 2015 from 69 dental hygiene, 316 dental, and 187 medical students. Response rates across classes for the dental hygiene students ranged from 85% to 100%; 24% to 100% for the dental students; and 13% to 35% for the medical students. The results showed that the medical students had lower oral health-related and interprofessional knowledge and less positive attitudes about oral health-related behavior, IPE, and interprofessional teamwork than the dental hygiene and dental students. While third- and fourth-year medical students' interprofessional knowledge/skills and behavior were higher than those of first- and second-year students, the two groups' IPE-related and interprofessional attitudes did not differ. The students' knowledge correlated with their IPE and interprofessional communication-related skills and behavior, but not with their interprofessional attitudes. These dental hygiene, dental, and medical students' OMFS/hospital dentistry-related knowledge/skills and behavior increased over the course of their academic programs, while their IPE-related and intra- and interprofessional attitudes, especially for medical students, did not improve over time. OMFS and hospital dentistry units in medical centers offer distinctive opportunities for IPE and IPC. Utilizing these units may be one way to ensure that graduating providers are motivated to engage in IPC in their practice, thus contributing to reducing oral health disparities and increasing access to oral care for underserved populations.
Topics: Attitude of Health Personnel; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Hospitals; Humans; Interprofessional Relations; Oral Hygiene; Students, Dental; Students, Medical; Surgery, Oral
PubMed: 28148605
DOI: No ID Found -
Canadian Journal of Dental Hygiene :... Jun 2021The purpose of this project was to understand the variation in admission criteria to Canadian dental hygiene programs and determine whether the criteria are appropriate...
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this project was to understand the variation in admission criteria to Canadian dental hygiene programs and determine whether the criteria are appropriate in predicting a program's success rate on the National Dental Hygiene Certification Exam (NDHCE).
METHODS
Admission criteria were gathered from the websites of English-language dental hygiene programs in Canada. Individual dental hygiene programs were also contacted directly by phone or email if their admission criteria were not outlined on the program website. NDHCE success rates for each program were collected from the National Dental Hygiene Certification Board website. The association between the admission criteria and NDHCE success rates was examined. Pearson's product moment correlations were performed for post-secondary credits required for admission and program length.
RESULTS
Admission criteria for 29 of 30 dental hygiene programs were examined. Twenty-two programs accepted applicants directly from high school. The average program length was 83.7 weeks. Four programs offered post-diploma baccalaureate degrees in dental hygiene; one program offered a direct entry-to-practice degree program. Twenty-two (22) of the 29 programs utilized academic grades (including overall and/or prerequisite GPA) as admission criteria. Twelve programs included interviews in the admission process. A moderate correlation was observed between the number of postsecondary credits required for admission and NDHCE success rates (r = 0.6723). A weak correlation was found between program length and NDHCE success rates (r = 0.1797).
CONCLUSION
Academic performance as an admission criterion, including overall/prerequisite GPA, was the most common criterion used by dental hygiene programs. Graduates from programs that required more postsecondary credits tended to perform better on the NDHCE. The higher success rate may be attributed to the rigour of the prerequisite courses, which may prepare students for dental hygiene studies and ultimately success on the national examination. In addition, students with more postsecondary coursework may be better adjusted to studies at a postsecondary level and/or be more experienced at taking examinations.
Topics: Achievement; Canada; Dental Hygienists; Humans; Oral Hygiene; School Admission Criteria
PubMed: 34221033
DOI: No ID Found -
Canadian Journal of Dental Hygiene :... Oct 2020The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore dental hygiene diagnosis (DHDx) to gain an understanding of how dental hygienists experience this...
PURPOSE
The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore dental hygiene diagnosis (DHDx) to gain an understanding of how dental hygienists experience this phenomenon while providing dental hygiene care.
METHODS
A qualitative descriptive research design was employed using purposive sampling. Data were collected from semi-structured interviews with 10 dental hygienists actively practising in California, Oregon or Colorado. The interviews were audiorecorded, transcribed verbatim, and verified for accuracy. Data analysis included open coding and axial coding to determine larger, related segments of data called categories providing an overall descriptive summary of DHDx. Two independent peer examinations and member checks established validity of the data analysis.
RESULTS
Four categories emerged from the study: expertise and confidence; client communication; dental hygiene care plan; and dentists' trust. Participants revealed that expertise and confidence in performing the DHDx was gained through clinical practice. During client care, discussing the DHDx with clients helped to make them aware of their health condition. The development of the dental hygiene care plan was based on the results of the assessment data and the DHDx. Participants stated that their employer/dentist trusted them to diagnose.
CONCLUSIONS
A qualitative descriptive study was conducted to summarize dental hygienists' experiences with DHDx in 3 US states; 4 categories emerged. The DHDx informs the client, increases understanding, and engages the client in the decision-making process. Further study is warranted to identify a more contemporary definition of DHDx and to compare how DHDx is utilized by dental hygienists in other countries.
Topics: Attitude of Health Personnel; Colorado; Dental Hygienists; Humans; Oral Hygiene; Qualitative Research
PubMed: 33240371
DOI: No ID Found -
International Journal of Environmental... Sep 2023This study aimed to conceptualize the dental hygiene intervention performed by dental hygienists based on the dental hygiene process of care. The dental hygiene...
This study aimed to conceptualize the dental hygiene intervention performed by dental hygienists based on the dental hygiene process of care. The dental hygiene intervention classification was conducted on the qualitative content analysis method. The contents of the primary dental hygiene intervention classification were refined after review by three internal experts. The final classification of dental hygiene interventions was derived through an expert Delphi survey conducted twice with 15 professors in charge of clinical dental hygiene. In the Delphi survey, the content validity and clarity were evaluated. As a result of the first and second expert Delphi surveys, the content validity ratio for all dental hygiene interventions and definitions was ≥0.60, and the content validity index was ≥0.80. The degree of agreement was a minimum of 0.80 and a maximum of 1.00. Thirty-eight dental hygiene interventions were conceptualized, and the essence of the dental hygienist was confirmed. Dental hygienists are oral health experts who help in preventing oral diseases and promoting oral health by providing evidence-based comprehensive preventive management through interaction with their clients, and they are a primary care worker who could contribute to health promotion. In the future, dental hygienists are expected to be actively involved in the primary care system and dental clinical sites and contribute to health promotion through practical discussions for this purpose.
Topics: Humans; Delphi Technique; Educational Personnel; Health Promotion; Oral Hygiene
PubMed: 37681844
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20176704 -
Journal of Dental Education Jun 2020The purpose of this study was to investigate dental hygiene (DH) educational programs' didactic and clinical curriculum in the management of peri-implant diseases and...
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to investigate dental hygiene (DH) educational programs' didactic and clinical curriculum in the management of peri-implant diseases and conditions. The specific aims were (1) assess if evidence-based content for peri-implant diseases and conditions are currently included in didactic and clinical DH curriculum and (2) determine if DH education programs are currently preparing students at a level of clinical competency for the assessment and management of peri-implant diseases and conditions.
DESIGN
A cross-sectional study of DH faculty member(s) from 331 United States entry-level programs responsible for didactic and clinical curriculum for peri-implant diseases and conditions were surveyed. The survey was disseminated electronically via Qualtrics August 2019 for a response rate of 26%.
RESULTS
The results showed didactic courses taught DH students the etiology of peri-mucositis and peri-implantitis (98%), clinical characteristics (98%), and risk factors contributing to these implant diseases (96%). Evaluation methods to determine student level of competency in a didactic setting included quizzes/examinations (98%), case-based examinations (63%), and written essays (6%). Eighty-five percent reported DH students are not required in a clinical setting to provide care for patients with peri-implant diseases and conditions.
CONCLUSIONS
Study results suggest DH education programs may need to revise didactic and clinical curriculum to ensure students graduate at a level of clinical competency for assessing and managing peri-implant conditions and diseases. DH educational programs should consider requiring clinical patient experiences for the assessment and management of peri-mucositis and peri-implantitis to prepare students for their professional role.
Topics: Cross-Sectional Studies; Curriculum; Dental Implants; Faculty, Dental; Humans; Oral Hygiene; Surveys and Questionnaires; United States
PubMed: 32147832
DOI: 10.1002/jdd.12141 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Nov 2022Pneumonia in residents of nursing homes can be termed nursing home-acquired pneumonia (NHAP). NHAP is one of the most common infections identified in nursing home... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Pneumonia in residents of nursing homes can be termed nursing home-acquired pneumonia (NHAP). NHAP is one of the most common infections identified in nursing home residents and has the highest mortality of any infection in this population. NHAP is associated with poor oral hygiene and may be caused by aspiration of oropharyngeal flora into the lung. Oral care measures to remove or disrupt oral plaque might reduce the risk of NHAP. This is the first update of a review published in 2018.
OBJECTIVES
To assess effects of oral care measures for preventing nursing home-acquired pneumonia in residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities.
SEARCH METHODS
An information specialist searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, one other database and three trials registers up to 12 May 2022. We also used additional search methods to identify published, unpublished and ongoing studies.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effects of oral care measures (brushing, swabbing, denture cleaning mouthrinse, or combination) in residents of any age in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
At least two review authors independently assessed search results, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias in the included studies. We contacted study authors for additional information. We pooled data from studies with similar interventions and outcomes. We reported risk ratios (RRs) for dichotomous outcomes, mean differences (MDs) for continuous outcomes, and hazard ratios (HRs) or incidence rate ratio (IRR) for time-to-event outcomes, using random-effects models.
MAIN RESULTS
We included six RCTs (6244 participants), all of which were at high risk of bias. Three studies were carried out in Japan, two in the USA, and one in France. The studies evaluated one comparison: professional oral care versus usual oral care. We did not include the results from one study (834 participants) because it had been stopped at interim analysis. Consistent results from five studies, with 5018 participants, provided insufficient evidence of a difference between professional oral care and usual (simple, self-administered) oral care in the incidence of pneumonia. Three studies reported HRs, one reported IRRs, and one reported RRs. Due to the variation in study design and follow-up duration, we decided not to pool the data. We downgraded the certainty of the evidence for this outcome by two levels to low: one level for study limitations (high risk of performance bias), and one level for imprecision. There was low-certainty evidence from meta-analysis of two individually randomised studies that professional oral care may reduce the risk of pneumonia-associated mortality compared with usual oral care at 24 months' follow-up (RR 0.43, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.76, 454 participants). Another study (2513 participants) reported insufficient evidence of a difference for this outcome at 18 months' follow-up. Three studies measured all-cause mortality and identified insufficient evidence of a difference between professional and usual oral care at 12 to 30 months' follow-up. Only one study (834 participants) measured the adverse effects of the interventions. The study identified no serious events and 64 non-serious events, the most common of which were oral cavity disturbances (not defined) and dental staining. No studies evaluated oral care versus no oral care.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Although low-certainty evidence suggests that professional oral care may reduce mortality compared to usual care when measured at 24 months, the effect of professional oral care on preventing NHAP remains largely unclear. Low-certainty evidence was inconclusive about the effects of this intervention on incidence and number of first episodes of NHAP. Due to differences in study design, effect measures, follow-up duration, and composition of the interventions, we cannot determine the optimal oral care protocol from current evidence. Future trials will require larger samples, robust methods that ensure low risk of bias, and more practicable interventions for nursing home residents.
Topics: Humans; Mouthwashes; Nursing Homes; Pneumonia; Toothbrushing; Oral Hygiene; Risk Factors
PubMed: 36383760
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD012416.pub3 -
Cancer Medicine Apr 2019Poor oral hygiene is an established risk factor of head and neck cancer (HNC); however, its role in the survival of HNC patients is unclear. This study evaluated the...
Poor oral hygiene is an established risk factor of head and neck cancer (HNC); however, its role in the survival of HNC patients is unclear. This study evaluated the association between oral hygiene habits, including regular dental visits, frequency of tooth brushing, and use of dental floss, and the overall survival (OS) of HNC patients using interview data collected from 740 HNC patients. In addition, the interactions between oral hygiene and the polymorphisms of TLR2 and TLR4 on the OS of HNC patients were assessed. The analysis indicated that poor oral hygiene was significantly associated with poorer OS of HNC patients (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.38, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03-1.86). This association was modified by a single nucleotide polymorphism, rs11536889, of TLR4. A significant association between poor oral hygiene and worse survival of HNC was observed among those with the CG or CC genotype (HR = 2.32, 95% CI: 1.41-3.82) but not among those with the GG genotype (HR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.65-1.40). Our results suggested that poor oral hygiene is not only a risk factor but may also be a prognostic factor of HNC.
Topics: Adult; Case-Control Studies; Female; Gene-Environment Interaction; Genotype; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Health Behavior; Humans; Life Style; Male; Middle Aged; Neoplasm Proteins; Oral Hygiene; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Registries; Survival Analysis; Taiwan; Toll-Like Receptor 4
PubMed: 30865385
DOI: 10.1002/cam4.2059 -
Journal of Dental Education Nov 2022The purpose of this study was to elicit ideas or concerns influencing dental hygiene educators' experiences of personal and professional burnout, burnout working with...
PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to elicit ideas or concerns influencing dental hygiene educators' experiences of personal and professional burnout, burnout working with students, and teaching efficacy in an online/hybrid environment as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
METHODS
A qualitative, content-analysis study included a convenience sample of dental hygiene educators emails. An invitation to participate in an August 2021 or October 2021 focus group was sent via Qualtrics with informed consent, and focus groups were held over Zoom. Conversations were audio recorded, transcribed, and de-identified. Consensus on a codebook by two coders achieved an 88% agreement.
RESULTS
Fifty-three were invited to the August 2021 focus groups for a 26% (n = 14) response rate, and 116 were invited to the October 2021 focus groups for an 11% (n = 13) response rate. Contributing factors to experiences of burnout expressed were: (1) work-life balance (n = 59), including (a) overwork, (b) pressure to be available, and (c) lack of boundaries; (2) change (n = 34) involving (a) developing new protocols, (b) constant uncertainty, (c) COVID-19 requirements, and (d) new platforms; and (3) negative interactions (n = 32) with (a) students and (b) faculty.
CONCLUSION
A lack of work-life balance from overwork, pressure to be available at all times, no boundaries with students, and an absence of a sense of connection for workplace vitality were contributors to burnout. Work-from-home flexibility, a work environment that supported wellness and mental well-being, and the ability to leave the workplace for periods of time were reported as helpful solutions to combatting burnout.
Topics: Humans; Burnout, Professional; COVID-19; Focus Groups; Oral Hygiene; Pandemics; Faculty, Dental; Dental Hygienists
PubMed: 35736232
DOI: 10.1002/jdd.13009 -
PloS One 2023Adolescence is a critical time for adopting health behaviors which continue through adulthood. There is a lack of data regarding perspectives of US adolescents and young...
BACKGROUND
Adolescence is a critical time for adopting health behaviors which continue through adulthood. There is a lack of data regarding perspectives of US adolescents and young adults on their dental health and oral hygiene practice.
METHODS
Adolescents and young adults, age 14-24, from MyVoice, a nationwide text message poll of youth. were asked five open-ended questions on the importance of dental health and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Responses were qualitatively analyzed using thematic analysis. Chi-square test was used to examine differences in experiences by demographics.
RESULTS
Of 1,148 participants, 932 responded to at least one question. The mean age was 19 years. Respondents were largely male (49.5%) and non-Hispanic white (62.4%). Most (92%) respondents perceived dental health as important or somewhat important and emphasized overall dental health and hygiene (38.6%) and aesthetics (18.3%). About half (49.2%) of respondents stated they have had at least one cavity since middle school. Just over half (54.8%) reported brushing and flossing to care for their dentition. 58% visited a dentist at least every 6 months, while 38% visited a dentist less frequently or not at all. Being non-cisgender, non-Hispanic black, Hispanic, and receipt of free or reduced lunch was associated with less frequent dental visits. 44% stated COVID-19 impacted their dental health, with many mentioning scheduling difficulties or worsened dental hygiene.
CONCLUSIONS
Most youth in our study consider dental health important, though their oral hygiene practice may not follow ADA guidelines and self-reported dental caries are high. Dental healthcare among youth has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic with interruption in regular dental visits and changes in hygiene habits. Re-engagement of adolescents and young adults by dental care providers via greater access to appointments and youth-centered messaging reinforcing hygiene recommendations may help youth improve dental health now and in the future.
Topics: Humans; Male; Adolescent; Young Adult; Adult; Oral Hygiene; COVID-19; Pandemics; Dental Caries; Toothbrushing; Oral Health
PubMed: 36656822
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280533 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Apr 2022To date, no strong long-term data have been reported about new innovative clinical protocols to manage oral hygiene. An improper management of oral hygiene may lead to... (Review)
Review
To date, no strong long-term data have been reported about new innovative clinical protocols to manage oral hygiene. An improper management of oral hygiene may lead to an increase in dental implant failure, and to an increase in infective complications in prosthetic rehabilitation. Personalized techniques are strongly required in dentistry and dental hygiene. A customized and personalized approach to oral hygiene is crucial in ensuring not only effective treatment, but also a careful analysis of the general health status of the patient involved in the therapeutic process. D-BioTECH is an acronym for Dental BIOfilm Detection Technique: it is based on a tailored approach to patients, ensuring that the operator actively interacts with the patient and their specific needs, especially during the domiciliary therapy. D-BioTECH is an approach to preventive care: in D-BioTECH, both dental hygienists and dentists play a central role. The use of a personalized approach to oral hygiene is the first step towards increasing implant and prosthesis survival rate; moreover, personalized medicine is strategic for managing and preventing the biological complications associated with several dental risk factors.
Topics: Biofilms; Biotechnology; Health Status; Humans; Oral Hygiene; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 35454375
DOI: 10.3390/medicina58040537