Journal of dental hygiene : JDH
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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. ⋯ 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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Randomized Controlled Trial
The Effect of Mobile Text Messages and a Novel Floss Holder on Gingival Health: A randomized control trial.
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of using mobile text messages and a novel floss holder as compared to finger flossing or the novel floss holder alone, on the psychological, behavioral, and clinical parameters of patients with gingivitis. Methods: A total 165 adults were assessed for eligibility and 144 met the criteria for randomization into three groups: Finger Floss (FF, n=43), Novel Floss Holder (NFH, n= 40), and Novel Floss Holder plus Text Messages (NFH+TM, n= 61) following a dental hygiene consultation appointment. Gingival bleeding points were measured on probing (BOMP) at baseline and four months later by a calibrated dental hygienist, blinded to the experimental groups. ⋯ Conclusions: The use of a novel floss holder, NFH, was shown to improve the behavioral and psychological determinants of periodontal health four months after introduction of the device. However the clinical measures of BOMP only improved significantly when used in conjunction with text messages (NFH+TM). The use of a consciousness awareness technique,TMs, in combination with a novel device, may help patients to reach therapeutic objectives and contribute to the management of periodontal pathologies such as gingivitis.
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Purpose: The "#MeToo" movement has increased awareness of sexual harassment in the workplace and its detrimental effects on the work environment. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of sexual harassment in a convenience sample of dental hygienists in the state of Virginia (VA). Methods: A cross-sectional research design was used to determine the experiences of VA dental hygienists with sexual harassment in the workplace occurring over the previous twenty-four months. ⋯ A definition of sexual harassment was provided and participants were asked, "During your career as a dental hygienist, have you experienced sexual harassment?" to which 24.2% (n=39) responded yes. Conclusion: Sexual harassment is a contemporary problem in dental hygiene employment settings in the state of Virginia. Effective training and policies in sexual harassment is needed to prevent these behaviors from occurring in the workplace.
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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. ⋯ 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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Purpose: The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) quantifies the characteristics of mental and physical exhaustion caused by one's professional life. The purpose of this study was to assess the key occupational factors that may contribute to burnout among dental hygienist members of the California Dental Hygienists' Association as measured by the MBI. Methods: A 36-item electronic survey, consisting of questions assessing burnout, demographic information, clinical care and occupational environment, was sent to dental hygienist members of the California Dental Hygienists' Association (n=2211). ⋯ Respondents reporting higher levels of self-perceived appreciation in the workplace were more likely to have lower EE and DP scores (EE: F=5.12, p <0.05; DP: F=8.66, p <0.05). Conclusion: Approximately one-third of the dental hygienists in the sample population experienced burnout. Data indicate the importance of expressing well-deserved appreciation to colleagues and the need to develop educational programs to teach practicing dental hygienists and dental hygiene students strategies to prevent and alleviate the symptoms of stress that often lead to burnout.