Journal of dental hygiene : JDH
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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. ⋯ 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.