RESUMO
An investigation was conducted to determine the existence and extent of ergonomic education in dental hygiene curricula to prevent musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). A survey was mailed to the 216 accredited dental hygiene programs in the United States with items addressing demographics, existence and extent of basic and additional ergonomic education, continuing education sponsorship, and incidence of musculoskeletal pain in students. The majority of dental hygiene programs provide basic ergonomic education (patient/operator positioning and instrumentation), but additional education (beyond patient/operator positioning and instrumentation; for example, body mechanics or preventive exercises) is generally unavailable or available only on a limited basis to dental hygiene students. The most frequently cited reasons for the lack of additional education were a lack of space in the current curricula and that this type of education was never discussed as a possibility. Integration of ergonomic education in dental hygiene curricula may help prevent MSDs in dental hygienists by enabling them to begin their dental hygiene careers with awareness of MSDs and good ergonomic work habits.
Assuntos
Currículo , Higienistas Dentários/educação , Ergonomia , Acreditação , Fenômenos Biomecânicos , Educação Continuada , Ergonomia/métodos , Terapia por Exercício , Humanos , Incidência , Doenças Musculoesqueléticas/prevenção & controle , Doenças Profissionais/prevenção & controle , Saúde Ocupacional , Estudantes , Estados UnidosAssuntos
Irradiação Craniana/efeitos adversos , Assistência Odontológica para Doentes Crônicos/instrumentação , Cárie Dentária/prevenção & controle , Fluoretos Tópicos/administração & dosagem , Assistência Odontológica para Doentes Crônicos/métodos , Cárie Dentária/etiologia , Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço/radioterapia , Humanos , Glândulas Salivares/efeitos da radiação , Xerostomia/complicações , Xerostomia/etiologiaRESUMO
A nationwide survey of the United States' 198 dental hygiene educational programs was conducted to determine the existence and type of clinical recall systems in the educational setting. Several factors contributing to recall systems were examined including program demographics, type and administration of the recall system, and patient acquisition and distribution. Responses were received from 177 educational programs, yielding a response rate of 89.4%. Approximately 85% of the programs responding utilize a recall system. Results indicate that the majority of programs do not employ a specific type of recall format. Preferred combinations of key individuals responsible for the administrative duties associated with the recall system include the clinic supervisor, students, and/or program secretary. Distribution of recall patients to students as needed, with variable intervals for recall, is promoted by the majority of respondents.
