Selection of dental hygiene as a career: associate degree students compared with baccalaureate students.

One of the most significant issues in the dental hygiene profession is the recruitment of qualified applicants. Throughout the decade of the 80s, a dramatic decline in enrollment has occurred in dental hygiene programs across the nation. According to recent demographic reports, there are fewer individuals in the age group where dental hygiene students are traditionally recruited and no significant change is expected. Therefore, in order to maintain and improve the pool of students preparing for a career in dental hygiene, it is critical that an attempt be made to understand the forces which lead students to choose the health care profession. A study was conducted using baccalaureate alumni and three classes in the baccalaureate degree dental hygiene program at The Ohio State University in order to determine why they had chosen the career of dental hygiene. This study was subsequently expanded to include students enrolled in eight associate degree dental hygiene programs in Ohio. The results from the survey indicate that career decisions are made at varying points in the educational process. Dentists and dental hygienists account for half of the influence in the decision process with high school guidance counselors having negligible influence. Nearly all respondents chose working with people as the top career benefit. Those findings point to the importance of involving dental and dental hygiene professionals in the recruitment process and the necessity to provide appropriate information to others who may provide career counseling.

A national study of periodontal assessment by dental hygienists.

PURPOSE: Periodontal examination is one of the most frequently performed dental hygiene diagnostic services. This examination is the basis for effective dental hygiene treatment throughout long-term care. The purpose of this investigation was to examine how dental hygienists across the United States assess the periodontal status of three patient types: patients new to the practice, periodontally healthy recall patients, and periodontally unhealthy recall patients. METHODS: A two-stage cluster sampling method was used to select a random sample of dental hygienists from each of two states randomly selected from four regions of the United States. Questionnaires were mailed in 1989 to 2,618 dental hygienists. Individual responses were scored according to criteria derived from dental literature for conducting seven components of a comprehensive periodontal examination. Results were calculated and analyzed for each state and region, and across regions for each patient type. RESULTS: Responses were received from 1,429 subjects, resulting in a 57.5% response rate of deliverable questionnaires. Overall mean scores (possible 0-7) across all regions were 3.68-new patients, 3.22-healthy patients, and 2.67-unhealthy patients. Of the seven assessment components, three-gingival inflammation, furcation involvement, and radiographs-were performed according to the scoring criteria for all patient types by a majority of respondents. The criterion for periodontal pockets was met by a majority for new patients only. Three assessment component criteria were met by less than 40% of the sample for all patient types-attachment levels, mobility, and plaque control. Differences in the mean scores of certain states were found to be statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Specific dental hygiene standards are recommended for initial diagnostic and recall monitoring periodontal examinations. Additionally, dental hygiene administration and management of long-term preventive and supportive periodontal therapy programs should assist in improving effectiveness of care and further delineate the profession of dental hygiene.

Dental hygienists' utilization of periodontal assessment skills and perceived collaboration with dentist-employer.

PURPOSE: As cotherapists in providing total patient care, dental hygienists must foster their pivotal role in the prevention, recognition, and initial therapy of periodontal disease. Cooperation and communication between the hygienist and dentist are necessary to assure the best possible sequence of procedures for a complete periodontal assessment. This study examined the extent of periodontal assessments performed by Ohio dental hygienists treating new patients in private practice and correlated the use of these skills to perceived collaboration with their dentist-employers. METHODS: In January 1990, self-designed mail questionnaires were sent to a cohort of 1,671 licensed dental hygienists randomly selected from the State of Ohio Dental Board Roster. Data were analyzed using standard descriptive statistical methods and the non-parametric Spearman's correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Responses were received from 1,071 subjects, an 81% response rate of deliverable questionnaires and a 64% response rate of original 1,671 subjects. Results suggest that although hygienists perceive a high level of collaboration with their dentist-employer, periodontal assessments are being performed at a minimal level. There appears to be a fairly consistent, weak positive correlation between overall periodontal assessment and perceived collaboration scores. CONCLUSION: These data indicate that continued emphasis is needed on the hygienist's role in periodontal assessment. Delineation of this role may be enhanced by the establishment of specific collaborative efforts between the hygienist and dentist in defining the practice's periodontal protocol.