TOBACCO USE IN STUDENTS OF THE THIRD FACULTY OF MEDICINE OF CHARLES UNIVERSITY IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC

Objectives: This study assessed trends in tobacco use in students of the Third Faculty of Medicine of Charles University in the Czech Republic between academic years 2012/13 and 2019/2020. Methods: Two cross-sectional surveys designed to obtain information on smoking history, smoking status, tobacco products use, and cessation were conducted among 382 students of the 6-year Master's Study Programme (General Medicine) and the 3-year Bachelor's Study Programme (Public Health) in 2012/2013;and among 580 students of General Medicine and of the Bachelor's Study Programmes (Public Health, Dental Hygiene and Nursing) in 2019/2020. Results: Regular/daily smoking was reported by 4.4 ± 2.4% (with 95% CI) of General Medicine students and 4.8 ± 4.1% of Public Health students in 2012/2013, and 1.3 ± 1.1% of General Medicine students and 14.4 ± 4.8% of students of bachelor studies in 2019/2020. The share of regular and occasional smokers was higher among junior students in both academic years (23.9 ± 5.1% and 20.1 ± 4.7%, respectively) compared to senior students (23.6 ± 9.8% and 9.6 ± 5.7%). Cigarettes were the most common products used in both academic years (67.0 ± 4.7% and 45.5 ± 4.0%). There was a significant increase in proportion of students using more tobacco products in the course of the time (from 12.1 ± 3.1% to 53.7 ± 4.1%). The proportion of students who quitted smoking has risen from 11.4 ± 3.2% to 16.1 ± 3.0%. On the contrary, the proportion of students who started smoking has dropped from 15.9 ± 3.7% to 2.9 ± 1.4%. The proportion of non-smokers has risen from 57.6 ± 5.0% to 65.3 ± 3.9%. Conclusions: The study revealed some positive trends concerning tobacco use in students (decline in regular smokers among students of General Medicine, senior students, cigarette smokers, water pipe smokers;rise in non-smokers), but also negative ones (rise in regular smokers among students of Public Health, students who used more tobacco products).

Effect of stress on periodontium and oral health in COVID-19 positive patients: an online questionnaire-based survey

Background: Emergence of Covid-19 pandemic resulted in stressful living conditions throughout the world leading to an alteration of habits and detrimental effects on overall health particularly oral health and hygiene of people throughout the world. The aim was to access perceived stress and its impact on periodontium and oral health in Covid-19 positive patients. Material & Methods: An online health questionnaire was submitted by Covid-19 positive patients over a period of six months with answers regarding their systemic health, perceived stress, existing habits and their alteration, oral hygiene maintenance and symptoms of oral and periodontal diseases during covid positivity. Results: Results showed that there was increase in stress levels of Covid-19 positive patients with alteration of habits and increased incidence of negative effects on oral and periodontal health. Conclusions: Although Covid-19 positive patients experienced more stress and higher incidence of oral and periodontal diseases but no direct relation could be established.

Satisfaction level of Dental Hygiene Department Students according to Class Types due to COVID-19

Background/Objectives: This study was conducted to investigate the class satisfaction of dental hygiene students according to the class type due to COVID-19 and to reflux it to future education. Methods/Statistical analysis: The data collected in this study were analyzed using SPSS Window Ver 25.0, and the statistical significance determination was used at a significance level of less than 0.05. For analysis related to theory and practice class type by grade, descriptive statistics and Pearson's correlation coefficient were conducted, and an independent sample t-test was conducted for class satisfaction by class type. Logistic regression analysis was conducted on the effect of class form on class satisfaction. Findings: As a result of the study, 21 students (70.0%) in 2nd grade and 30 (38.5%) in 3rd grade were conducted in face-to-face practice (p<0.05), In the actual theoretical lecture format, 8 face-to-face lectures (26.7%) were conducted in the second grade, and 23 (29.5%) were mixed with real-time online lectures and online recorded lectures in the third grade (p<0.05). As a result of logistic regression analysis as dependent variable, the combination of face-to-face and real-time online lectures increased 43.392 times compared to real-time online lectures, and the combination of face-to-face and online recorded lectures decreased 0.030 times in theoretical lectures (p<0.05) compared to online recorded lecture. Improvements/Applications: In conclusion, in order to improve students' class satisfaction and academic achievement according to the change in class form due to Covid 19, it is necessary to develop various lecture types according to the delivery of theoretical lectures and practical lectures. For this, active development efforts of instructors and financial and administrative support of university resources will be required © 2023, Journal for ReAttach Therapy and Developmental Diversities.All Rights Reserved.

Knowledge, attitude and practices of Saudi dental hygiene students towards novel corona virus disease (COVID-19): A nation-wide study.

INTRODUCTION: Healthcare workers involved in procedures that generate aerosol or handling patient specimens are associated with a high possibility of COVID-19 infection. Thus, it is very important for the health workers to understand the knowledge related to transmission, prevention and protocols of COVID-19. METHODS: Cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted on dental hygiene students in Saudi Arabia. An online version of pre-tested and validated questionnaire was used to test the KAP for COVID 19. RESULTS: The mean score for knowledge-related questions was found to be 2.91 ± 1.59, attitude-related questions to be 2.84 ± 1.41 and for practice-related questions to be 4.20 ± 1.36. After converting the scores into percentages, any score <60% was categorized as poor score, 60%-80% as average score and >80% as good score. Students showed poor knowledge and attitude towards COVID-19. But the practice of dental hygiene students towards COVID-19 was found to be good with the score of 83.4%. CONCLUSION: The outcome of this cross-sectional study shows that most of dental hygiene students studying in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are following good practices towards COVID-19 inspite of having poor knowledge and attitude.

Clinical Dental Hygienists' Experience Returning to Work After Closure of Dental Offices Due to COVID-19: A qualitative study.

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.

Mental Health Issues in Health Care Providers

In 2017, the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) created the Clinician Well-being Collaborative as response to epidemic levels of mental health issues including burnout, depression and suicide being experienced by clinicians across all health care disicplines.1-2 In 2014 it was suggested that the much-celebrated Triple Aim of health care could not be successful without a fourth aim that included improving the work life of clinicians and staff.3 Why, after so many decades is it still somewhat of a novel concept that those providing care need care and support for their own wellness? Perhaps more important than the lack of research on the mental health and well-being of oral health providers, is the lack of attention given to the mental health and well-being of women in the oral health care professions, particularly in dental hygiene. Danielle Rulli, RDH, MS, DHSc is a member of the Journal of Dental Hygiene Editorial Advisory Board and a clinical associate professor and Director, Graduate Dental Hygiene Program, Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.

Brief Motivational Interviewing: Evaluation of a skills-based education program

Purpose: Oral health care providers have been charged with recommending the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for the prevention of HPV oropharyngeal cancers (OPC). The purpose of this study was to determine dental hygiene student competency of the application of brief motivational interviewing (BMI) and the accuracy of HPV vaccine information for the prevention of HPV OPC. Methods: A convenience sample of 59 senior dental hygiene (DH) students from the class of 2020 (n=31) and the class of 2021 (n=28) participated in the HPV OPC curriculum and skills-based BMI training at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. Students completed two audio-recorded patient interactions and one Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). Student self-assessment and faculty evaluation scores were determined by a standardized BMI HPV rubric. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Results: Class of 2021 self-assessment ratings were higher than the class of 2020 in all components of the BMI HPV rubric at all three time points. Faculty evaluation achieved statistically significant improvement for the class of 2021 from patient Interaction 1 (evocation p<0.01;summary p<0.01) to the OSCE (evocation p<0.05;summary p<0.01). Both classes rated themselves as competent (≥70%) for most BMI subcategories. Conclusion: Dental hygiene student competence in demonstrating the components of the Spirit of MI to the accuracy of HPV and HPV vaccine information was achieved through the implementation of the skills-based BMI HPV training. Outcomes of student self-assessment and faculty evaluation highlighted the Kirkpatrick Model as a framework to evaluate BMI skills-based training.

Burnout syndrome in Nova Scotia dental hygienists during the COVID-19 pandemic: Maslach Burnout Inventory.

Background: Burnout syndrome is the result of prolonged occupational stress. The syndrome has 3 dimensions: emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalization (DP), and reduced personal accomplishment (PA). This study aimed to examine the prevalence of the 3 dimensions of burnout in dental hygienists in Nova Scotia, Canada, (N = 745) as they returned to work during the COVID-19 pandemic following a furlough; to explore the effect of burnout during COVID-19 on dental hygienists' professional lives; and to determine the tools and methods that dental hygienists use to overcome burnout. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, participants were asked to complete an anonymous survey inclusive of demographic information, employment characteristics, the Maslach Burnout Inventory Human Services Survey for Medical Personnel (MBI-HSS [MP]), and 2 open-ended questions. Results: The response rate was 34.9% (n = 260). Approximately one-third (36.2%) of respondents met the criteria for burnout. Contributors to burnout were time, providing dental hygiene care, expectations of dentists, physical and mental health, lack of autonomy, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Reported mechanisms to overcome occupational stress centred on work-life balance, social support networks, working in a positive environment, and physical activity. Discussion: This study took place during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, which may have influenced the rate of burnout among dental hygienists, particularly within the EE domain where scores were twice as high as those reported in pre-COVID-19 studies. Conclusion: Dental hygienists may be at risk for burnout. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of burnout and implementing healthy behaviours may reduce its detrimental effects.

Contexte: La prolongation du stress professionnel entraîne le syndrome de l'épuisement professionnel. Le syndrome comporte 3 volets : l'épuisement émotionnel (ÉÉ), la dépersonnalisation (DP) et la diminution de l'épanouissement personnel (ÉP). La présente étude visait à examiner la prévalence des 3 volets de l'épuisement professionnel chez les hygiénistes dentaires en Nouvelle-Écosse, Canada, (N = 745) à leur retour au travail après avoir eu un congé pendant la pandémie de la COVID-19; à explorer l'effet de l'épuisement professionnel sur la vie professionnelle des hygiénistes dentaires pendant la COVID-19; et à établir quels outils et méthodes les hygiénistes dentaires utilisent pour remédier à l'épuisement professionnel. Méthodologie: Les participants ont été invités à répondre à un sondage anonyme pour cette étude transversale, comprenant les données démographiques, les caractéristiques d'emploi, le sondage Maslach Burnout Inventory Human Services pour le personnel médical (MBI-HSS [PM]) et 2 questions ouvertes. Résultats: Le taux de réponse était de 34,9 % (n = 260). Environ le tiers (36,9 %) des répondants a satisfait aux critères de l'épuisement professionnel. Les facteurs qui y ont contribué étaient le temps, la prestation de soins d'hygiène dentaire, les attentes des dentistes, la santé physique et mentale, le manque d'autonomie et la pandémie de la COVID-19. La conciliation travail­vie personnelle, les réseaux de soutien social, travailler dans un environnement positif et l'activité physique étaient cités comme mécanismes qui permettent de surmonter le stress professionnel. Discussion: Cette étude a été effectuée pendant la première vague de la pandémie de la COVID-19, ce qui peut avoir influencé le taux d'épuisement professionnel chez les hygiénistes dentaires, particulièrement en matière d'ÉÉ où les cotes étaient 2 fois plus élevées que celles signalées dans les études d'avant la COVID-19. Conclusion: Les hygiénistes dentaires peuvent être à risque d'épuisement professionnel. Reconnaître les signes et les symptômes de l'épuisement professionnel et mettre en œuvre des comportements sains peuvent réduire ses effets adverses.

Pathway to Our Future

What would happen if we stopped saying we do not have enough time to teach teledentistry, geriatrics, research, HPV, access to care, practice management and the whole list of content we know is needed in our curriculum? Even reading other professional publications for dental hygiene, we find that concepts of national licensure and standard scope of practice are still a dream. Learn how to conduct research to create the body of knowledge in the literature to support the profession and advocacy efforts.

A Message from our Sponsor

LISTERINE® Antiseptic Mouthwash was first marketed as an oral antiseptic to dental professionals in 1895, but it wasn't until 1914 that it was sold directly to consumers.2 LISTERINE® has been studied and published in hundreds of peer-reviewed publications spanning back more than a century, beginning with The Journal of Infectious Diseases in 1906.3 In this special issue of the Journal of Dental Hygiene, two long-term (12-week) clinical trials demonstrate the adjunctive benefits of various regimens to twice daily brushing, adding to the large body of evidence on the benefits of LISTERINE® mouthrinse products containing essential oils. Furthermore, brushing and flossing provided no additional plaque reduction compared to brushing only but did provide reductions in gingivitis and gingival bleeding compared to brushing only at 12 weeks.5 The second study included two additional components, dexterity and behavior.6,7 To clarify the role of dexterity on clinical measures of gingivitis, a licensed occupational therapist evaluated study participants' dexterity using a validated test. The research presented in this special issue directly addresses this goal and provides additional data-driven, clinically meaningful evidence to assist dental healthcare providers in recommending plaque and gingivitis control methods as part of their patients' daily oral care routines.

Psychological Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Dental Hygiene Students in Saudi Arabia: A Nation-wide Study

Aim: Worldwide healthcare professionals are experiencing constant stress during their day-to-day work due to coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Students’ anxiety tendency has also been increased due to the disturbance of education. This study aims to evaluate the anxiety and depression levels of dental hygiene students in Saudi Arabia during COVID-19 lockdown period. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the dental hygiene students in Saudi Arabia to assess the psychological impact of the COVID-19 outbreak. Questionnaire was distributed to the students, which consisted questions regarding demographics, knowledge, and fear related to COVID-19 and validated self-reported anxiety screening scale (GAD-7), to assess the psychological impact. All the data were then subjected to statistical analysis. Results: Students from King Abdul Aziz University and Prince Sattam University showed statistically higher anxiety score when comparing the GAD-7 questions. Students whose parents were unemployed during pandemic and the students from rural area had statistically greater anxiety level when compared to others. Also, anxiety levels were found to be significantly higher among students who slightly feared contacting the disease because of their profession. Conclusion: The present results demonstrate that dental hygiene students suffered from some form of anxiety ranging from mild anxiety to severe anxiety, reporting that they frequently felt nervous and were scared that something terrible would happen. Psychological well-being of healthcare professionals is necessary for the optimal treatment of patients. Clinical significance: Anxiety is considered as an important factor for healthcare students that may influence negatively on their personal and academic life. Thus appropriate assessment and offering immediate treatment will prove beneficial to prevent serious consequences. © The Author(s). 2021 Open Access This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and non-commercial reproduction in any medium, provided you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license, and indicate if changes were made. The Creative Commons Public Domain Dedication waiver (http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/) applies to the data made available in this article, unless otherwise stated.

Animated video media as an alternative for oral health telepromotion on elementary school students

Oral health problems in children aged 5-9 years in Indonesia are high, it's about 28.9% (Riskesdas, 2018). One of the prevention efforts is the oral health promotion. During the Covid-19 Pandemic, oral health promotion was still carried out by implementing health protocols, avoiding direct contact, and using online communication media. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of dental health telepromotion with animated video media on the knowledge and skills of teethbrushing among elementary school children. The method used in this research is Research and Development, with the intention of developing animated videos for learning media. The population in this study were children of elementary school age in RT 05 RW 06 Padangsari Banyumanik Semarang totaling 30 children. The results of this study indicate that the level of knowledge of respondents before treatment is mostly in the poor category (57%), and after treatment, all respondents (100%) have a good level of knowledge. Before the skill treatment, most of the respondents (63%), included in the category of less skilled, but after the treatment, all respondents (100%) became skilled. There is a difference in knowledge about teethbrushing before and after giving animated videos, with pValue = 0.000, with an increase in the number of respondents who have good knowledge by 57%. There is a difference in teethbrushing skills before and after giving the animated video, with pValue = 0.000, with an increase in the number of skilled respondents as much as 63%.

Oral Habits during the Lockdown from the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic in the Romanian Population.

Background and Objectives: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic led to changes in population daily patterns. In order to adapt oral health promotion measures for future similar conditions, the main objective of the study was to assess changes in dental hygiene and eating and smoking habits during the government lockdown in Romania. Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted immediately after the end of the lockdown and consisted of 800 adult subjects. Data collection was done via an online survey. Participants were divided into two groups: non-medical/dental practitioners (N-M/D group) and medical/dental practitioners (M/D group). Results: An increased use of dental floss from 27% (pre-lockdown) to 30.5% (during lockdown) was identified in the M/D group, while the manual toothbrush usage increased to 64.8% (during lockdown) from 61.7% (pre-lockdown) in the N-MD/group. No significant differences regarding toothbrushing frequency were observed in either group. A change in the number of daily snacks was identified in both groups (3-4 snacks per day: from 11% to 20.2% in the N-M/D group, from 13.1% to 22.2% in the M/D group). The consumption of sweets as a preferred snack was also noticed. A decrease of tobacco consumers was assessed in the lockdown period (from 66.6% to 60.4% in the M/D group, from 68.5% to 61.9% in the N-/M/D group). Conclusions: Oral habits were changed during the pandemic lockdown through the increase in the frequency of the consumption of snacks and sweets and the decrease in frequency of smokers. Only minor changes were observed in oral hygiene.

What’s in Your Culture? Embracing Stability and the New Digital Age in Moving Colleges of Health Professions Virtually during the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Experiential Narrative Review

As traditional education transitioned from face-to-face interactions to virtual learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, faculty and staff in dental hygiene, nursing, and exercise science programs placed students at the center of every educational decision and promoted stability in learning with their commitments to excellence in teaching and the delivery of content using educational and communication technology. This experiential narrative review explains how faculty members and administrators addressed online education with technology specific to health professions and how universities managed to assist students with innovative services for mental health. It also provides an insight into how degree-specific academic personnel embraced technology-based hands-on activities in community health clinics and clinical laboratories, with sustainable and impactful lessons in equity, affordability, and transformative education. Finally, health administrators gather their top-10 leadership recommendations to continue moving forward during the pandemic and present a unique self-reflection on the process of caring considerations required for a successful experience for faculty members, staff, and students.

Dental education practices during COVID-19: A scoping review.

INTRODUCTION: Dental education was brought to a halt with the emergence of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Traditional dental education comprised students working closely with instructors in a clinical laboratory setting; however, public health precautions necessitated a shift to a virtual learning platform. A scoping review of dental education practices since the start of the pandemic will help to understand approaches instructors have taken to provide dental education during this unprecedented time and suggest future applications of virtual learning in dental education. METHODS: We performed an exhaustive scoping literature search of primary peer-reviewed intervention articles published between December 2019 and April 2021 using the following databases: Academic Search Premier, Cochrane Library, Embase, ERIC, LitCovid, MedEdPortal, MedRxiv, Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science. The selection process included two independent reviewers through each phase of review. Articles were categorized and analyzed by domain. RESULTS: A total of 629 articles were identified; after titles and abstracts were reviewed, 66 articles were selected for full-text review. Following full-text review, 41 articles met eligibility criteria and comprised our study sample. Articles were arranged within domains of assessment, instruction, instructional technology, and software. The advantages to online dental education included improved accessibility, willingness to accept new assessment techniques, and lower anxiety levels. Barriers included problems with technology, classroom time management, lack of student interaction, and absence of hands-on training. CONCLUSION: Evidence suggests emerging best practices in dental education during COVID-19, and recommendations for the future of virtual and distance learning in dental education.

The Effects of Simulation Problem-Based Learning on the Empathy, Attitudes toward Caring for the Elderly, and Team Efficacy of Undergraduate Health Profession Students.

Undergraduate students studying health professions receive a uniprofessional education in an isolated educational environment within the university curriculum, and they have limited opportunities to experience collaborative learning through interactions with other professions. This study adopted a one-group, pretest-posttest, quasi-experimental design to investigate the effect of an undergraduate course that applied simulation problem-based learning (S-PBL) on nursing and dental hygiene students' empathy, attitudes toward caring for the elderly, and team efficacy. The S-PBL was designed based on the ARCS model of motivation proposed by Keller, and the subjects (n = 24) participated in a small group activity of identifying and checking for medical errors that may pose a threat to patients' safety. The results showed that there was a statistically significant increase in the subjects' attitudes toward caring for the elderly (t = 3.11, p = 0.01) and team efficacy (t = 2.84, p = 0.01) after participating in the S-PBL. The teaching method developed by this study aims to counteract the problems of the limited experience available to undergraduate health profession students during clinical practicum in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and the limitations of interprofessional education, and it has established the groundwork for further exploration of the learning transfer effect of S-PBL.

Ultrasonic scaling in COVID-era dentistry: A quantitative assessment of aerosol spread during simulated and clinical ultrasonic scaling procedures.

OBJECTIVE: Healthcare agencies recommend limited use of aerosol-generating procedures to mitigate disease (COVID-19) transmission. However, total dispersion patterns of aerosols, particularly respirable droplets, via dental ultrasonic units is unclear. The purpose of this study was to characterize and map total spatter, droplet and aerosol dispersion during ultrasonic scaling in simulated and clinical contexts. METHODS: Ultrasonic scaling was performed on dental simulation units using methylene blue dye-stained water. All resultant stain profiles were photoanalysed to calculate droplet size and travel distance/direction. Airborne particle concentrations were also documented 0-1.2 m (0-4ft.) and 1.2-2.4 m (4-8ft.) from patients during in vivo ultrasonic scaling with a saliva ejector. RESULTS: Stain profiles showed droplets between 25 and 50µm in diameter were most common, with smaller droplets closer to the mouth. In-vivo particle concentrations were uniformly low. The smallest (<1 µm, PM1) and largest (>10 µm, PM10+) particles were most common, especially within 1.2 m (4ft.) of the patient. Respirable particles (PM2.5) were uncommon. CONCLUSIONS: Tests showed the highest concentration of small droplets in zones nearest the patient. While uncommon, particles were detected up to 2.4 m (8ft.) away. Furthermore, observed particle sizes were consistent with those that can carry infectious agents. Efforts to mitigate the spread of inhalable aerosols should emphasize proximate regions nearest the procedure, including personal protective equipment and the use of evacuation devices.

COVID-19 impact, knowledge and preparedness among dental hygienists in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: The study investigates the impact of COVID-19 on dental hygiene professionals practising in Saudi Arabia, and measuring the knowledge and preparedness of dental hygienists to provide care during the pandemic. METHODS: A non-experimental, cross-sectional study was conducted targeting dental hygiene professionals in Saudi Arabia. The online survey consisted of 31 close-ended questions: 9-items related to demographics, and 22-items that are COVID-19 related. Data were tested at two levels; descriptive and preliminary using Chi-square test, and significance was set at the 0.05 level. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-one responses were received and the final sample included one hundred and eighteen responses as it excluded unemployed dental hygienists with estimated 39.6% response rate. The stress level to return to practice was considered moderate among 65.3% of participants. Over two-thirds (73.7%) of dental hygienists were not providing any kind of care/treatment during quarantine. Generally, a moderate level of knowledge (57.8%) was demonstrated by participants. For preparedness level to practice during the pandemic, sixty-four dental hygienists (54.2%) were adequately prepared to provide care. Significant correlations were found between impact and knowledge (p = 0.045), impact and preparedness (p = 0.053), and knowledge and preparedness (p = 0.024). CONCLUSIONS: Dissemination of COVID-19 protocols, guidelines and scientific literature increased the respondents' level of knowledge and preparedness to an adequate level. This study indicated that knowledgeable dental hygienists were significantly more prepared to treat patients during the pandemic and that stress positively influenced the COVID-19 knowledge acquisition. Non-practising dental hygienists during quarantine were more knowledgeable and more prepared to practice during the pandemic.

Simulation design and students' satisfaction with home-based simulation learning in oral health therapy.

OBJECTIVES: The COVID-19 pandemic presents a challenging situation for dental education, with school closures worldwide. While practical sessions are important for the acquisition of clinical skills, few studies have examined the role of home-based simulation learning (HBSL). This study aims to identify key aspects of simulation design and factors associated with students' satisfaction with HBSL. METHODS: During a "circuit-breaker" period in Singapore, the Nanyang Polytechnic School of Health & Social Sciences (Oral Health Therapy) distributed portable manikins and instruments to students and staff for use at home. Synchronous teaching sessions with real-time feedback were carried out over the Zoom teleconferencing platform. A cross-sectional survey of students was conducted after 3 weeks of the HBSL program. Multiple linear regression analyses were carried out to assess the association between satisfaction with domains of simulation design and overall satisfaction with HBSL. RESULTS: The top three factors of importance to students in HBSL were feedback and guided reflection, support, and objectives and information. Final-year students expressed higher levels of overall satisfaction and self-confidence following HBSL than first-year students. Satisfaction with the objectives (ß = 0.42, 95% CI 0.26-0.57), support (ß = 0.27, 95% CI 0.11-0.42), and problem-solving (ß = 0.28, 95% CI 0.10-0.46) domains in the Simulation Design Scale were positively associated with overall student satisfaction and self-confidence in learning. CONCLUSION: The findings can aid educators in the design of future HBSL programs, with a focus on areas of simulation design that are of importance to students.

Employment Patterns of Dental Hygienists in the United States During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

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.