Digital Commons Network^™

Cheiloscopy Examination And Classification Of Lip Prints With And Without Parafunctional Oral Habits: A Cross-Sectional Observation Study, Emily Smith Regan

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

Problem: Lip prints are unique and have potential for use as a human identifier. The purpose of this study was to observe possible cheiloscopy differences of individuals with and without parafunctional oral habits. Additionally, inter-rater reliability (IRR) of lip print examiners was observed. Methods: This IRB approved blinded cross-sectional observational study collected lip prints from sixty-six individuals using lipstick and adhesive tape to transfer lip prints to white bond paper for viewing purposes. Each set of included lip prints was divided into quadrants and dichotomized as those with or without an oral parafunctional habit. Each quadrant sample was manually analyzed …

The Prevalence Of Burnout In Saudi Arabia Dental Hygienists, Nouf Hamad Aldayel

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the prevalence of burnout in Saudi Arabian dental hygienists and identify risk factors associated with burnout. Methods: A descriptive survey design using the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI) assessed burnout among a convenience sample of n=123 Saudi dental hygienists. The survey was disseminated electronically to 1,000 Saudi Arabian dental hygienists. The CBI measures three subscales: personal, work-related, and client/patient-related burnout on a five-point Likert-type scale. The survey also included six demographic questions, two Likert-type, one “yes/no,” and one openended question, related to burnout. Descriptive statistics, one-way between subject’s ANOVA, independent samples …

Disaster Victim Identification Competencies: A Comparison Of Dental Hygiene And Dental Assistant Students, Samantha Clara Vest

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess cognitive and affective learning outcomes of allied dental students following a disaster victim identification (DVI) multi-media learning experience. Methods: A convenience sample (n=41) of senior dental hygiene and dental assisting students from two institutions completed an IRB-exempt DVI learning experience which included a multimedia intervention with a pretest/posttest survey to assess cognitive and affective changes. The multimedia intervention was a PowerPoint presentation with educational text, audio/video recordings, and presented in a virtual synchronous format by one of the researchers. After completing the learning experience, participants were presented with 10 sets of …

The Effects Of Sitting And Standing Hygiene On Posture In Dental Hygiene Students, Taylor Shay Kace

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

Problem: The purpose of this pilot study was to assess biomechanical and postural impacts of sitting and standing independently during dental hygiene practice. Methods: A convenience sample of thirty-four second-year dental hygiene students with no history of musculoskeletal disorders were enrolled in this study. Participants were randomly assigned to instrument one quadrant of the mouth on buccal or lingual surfaces while seated or standing during two independent research sessions. Two images per session, for a total of four images per participant, were taken to assess biomechanical demands of each posture using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) tool. The images …

Attitudes Of Virginia Dental Hygienists Toward Dental Therapists, Helene Mesina Burns

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

Problem: The purpose of this study was to determine the opinions and attitudes of Virginia dental hygienists toward dental therapists (DTs) and to determine if current education level and years of practice affected opinions regarding education requirements for DTs. Methods: After IRB approval, a 22-item questionnaire was distributed online to a convenience sample of 910 Virginia dental hygienists. Questions assessed attitudes of participants toward the DT using a seven-point Likert-type scale ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 7 (strongly agree). Additionally, participants were asked to respond to demographic questions and open-ended questions about potential advantages and/or disadvantages to DTs. Independent …

Attitudes Of Virginia Dentists Toward Dental Therapists, Adaira Latrece Howell

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine perceptions of Virginia (VA) dentists toward Mid-Level Dental Providers, specifically dental therapists (DT), and determine if American Dental Association (ADA) membership affected attitudes. Methods: After IRB approval, data was collected with an online survey sent to 1208 VA dentists. Participants responded to 11 Likert type scale questions ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 7 (strongly agree) assessing their attitudes toward DTs. Participants also responded to questions regarding the appropriate level of education and supervision of a DT, as well as five demographic questions. Two multiple linear regression models were used to …

Current Barriers To Dental Care Of Virginia Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder (Asd), Sfair Alkhthami

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the barriers to accessing professional dental care for Virginia children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as a mechanism for evaluating dental hygiene curricula. Methods: Data was collected via Qualtrics® from caregivers of one or more children with ASD who were part of Families of Autistic Children in Tidewater (FACT). The survey was distributed through FACT to all 200 members (N=200) via an email link, and a response rate of 28.5% (N=57) was obtained. Linear regression and logistic regression models were used to analyze data at the p=.05 level of significance. Results: …

Workplace Bullying: A National Survey Of Dental Hygienists, Savannah Dawn Sundburg

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

Problem: Workplace bullying in health care affects career satisfaction, career longevity and patient outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine if bullying was occurring in dental hygiene employment settings as well as its prevalence in a convenience sample of dental hygienists.

Methods: After IRB approval, 1200 subscribers to a professional dental hygiene journal were invited to participate. Employing the validated Negative Acts Questionnaire-Revised (NAQ-R), participants were asked to indicate how often they experienced 22 defined negative behaviors according to rate of occurrence (never, now and then or monthly, weekly or daily) over the past six months. Bullying was …

Self-Reported Oral Health Assessment And Attitudes Toward Oral Health For Adults With Cystic Fibrosis, Ahmed Ali Almuntashiri

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

Purpose: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a chronic genetic disorder that an individual has at birth. Cystic fibrosis impacts equally all races, gender and becomes worse over time. The aim of this current study was to evaluate oral health status, interaction with the oral health system, and oral health awareness in adults with cystic fibrosis. Methods: A validated survey consisting of 27 questions was distributed online through cystic fibrosis Facebook pages. Individuals with CF who were 18 years old or older, residing in the U.S. and having English as their primary language were asked to respond to the survey. Independent variables …

A Study Of Visible Tattoos In Entry-Level Dental Hygiene Education Programs, Kathryn R. Search

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to survey entry-level dental hygiene program directors in the United States to assess their perceptions of dental hygienists with visible tattoos as well as their satisfaction with current program tattoo polices. Methods: After IRB approval, a 14-item survey was administered online to 340 entry-level dental hygiene programs. Participants used a seven-point Likert type scale ranging from strongly disagree (1) to strongly agree (7), to indicate their opinions of visible tattoos on the basis of professionalism, concern within the school, dress code policy satisfaction, tolerance toward visible tattoos, whether tattoos needed to be covered, …

Dental Hygiene Alternative Practice Models: Preparedness And Confidence Of 2015 Graduates, Futun Nasser Alkhalifah

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

Purpose: evaluate dental hygiene graduates’ perceived preparedness and confidence to practice in alternative settings. Methods: a survey was sent through ADHA to all members who graduated within the last year (2015-2016) with a minimum of one-week work experience. The survey consisted of demographics, and two alternative practice scales. Independent variables characterized as follows: (1) graduate of a baccalaureate degree dental hygiene program within an allied health science program, (2) graduate of a baccalaureate degree dental hygiene program within a dental school, or (3) graduate of an associate degree dental hygiene program. The dependent variables were preparedness, confidence and practice management …

Dental Consumers' Perceptions Of Dental Hygienists With Visible Tattoos, Amanda Brooke Verissimo

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine if visible tattoos affected the perceptions of dental consumers toward the professionalism and credibility of dental hygienists.

Methods: An 11 item, IRB approved investigator designed survey was administered online to 203 subjects invited to participate via a commercial web source. Surveys were randomized according to respondents' birth month. Participants viewed one of three photographs of a dental hygiene model wearing short-sleeved scrubs without a tattoo, with a large sleeve tattoo on the arm or with a small tattoo on the wrist. Participants scored each photograph on a 5-point Likert scale based …

The Perception And Employability Of Dental Hygienists With Visible Tattoos, Christina Lynn Cox

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine if the presence of visible tattoos could hinder employment for dental hygienists. Methods: 1,800 electronic surveys were distributed to licensed dentists in the state of Virginia. Surveys were arbitrarily assigned according to subject's birth month. Participants were shown a photograph of a dental hygienist with one of the three conditions: 1) no tattoo, 2) small tattoo, or 3) large "sleeve" tattoo. Respondents were asked to score the image based on five categories: ethical, responsible, competent, hygienic and professional, using a 5-point Likert scale, ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly …

Knowledge, Attitudes, And Barriers Toward Evidence-Based Practice Among Oral Health Professionals In Saudi Arabia, Sukainah Abdulwahab Almeedani

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

Evidence -based decision making enables oral health professionals to make clinical practice decisions by utilizing the best available and most current scientific evidence. In combination with patients' values and circumstances, oral health professionals' experience and judgment are equally considered with scientific evidence in evidence-based decision making. The purpose of this study was to explore the knowledge and attitudes of evidence-based practice (EBP) among oral health professionals in Saudi Arabia and to determine the obstacles and barriers to implementation. Using a descriptive survey design, classrooms and clinics of 258 oral healthcare professionals were randomly selected from King Saud University, College of …

Disaster Preparedness & Response: A Survey Of U.S. Dental Hygienists, Brenda Tallon Bradshaw

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine dental hygienists' interests, formal education, views, comfort levels, and intentions for becoming involved in disaster preparedness and response as measured by a 21-item survey entitled "Victim Identification for Disaster Preparedness & Response: A Survey of Dental Hygienists". Methods: A nonprobability convenience sample (n=400) was recruited for an online survey. Data was analyzed for statistical significance using descriptive statistics, chisquare goodness-of-fit tests, a Mann-Whitney U test, and a paired-samples t-test. Similar themes were identified and categorized from open-ended questions. Results: A response rate of 83.5% (n=334) was attained. Regardless of years …

Use Of Immersive Visualization For The Control Of Dental Anxiety During Dental Hygiene Treatment, Carmelo Padrino-Barrios

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of immersive visualization (IV) therapy, a technique that provides visual and stereoscopic display through the use of eyewear, in anxious patients during an oral prophylaxis. Methods: A convenience sample of thirty adults was enrolled. A split mouth design was utilized. Subjects were randomly divided into two groups: group A (use of IV for the right side of the mouth), and group B (use of IV for the left side of the mouth). Subjects received a full mouth oral prophylaxis (removal of supra and subgingival calculus and selective polishing), always …

Comparing Velscope Vx And Traditional Oral Exams In Shisha (Hookah) Smokers: A Pilot Study, Amanda E. Kimball

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to compare oral findings using two exam types, the VELscope Vx® screening device versus a modified oral examination in detecting oral potentially malignant lesions in shisha smokers.

Methods: Thirty-one participants who reported currently smoking shisha and tobacco were recruited. Participants were identified for smoking habits to include two groups, to include those who reported smoking shisha exclusively and those who reported smoking shisha and tobacco. Each group received both exam types; examiners used a standardized protocol. A health history questionnaire was also collected to assess participant's oral cancer risk factors such as age, race, …

Fluorescent Technology Versus Visual And Tactile Examination In The Detection Of Oral Lesion: A Pilot Study, Hadeel Mohammed Ayoub

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to compare the effectiveness of the VELscope® Vx, versus a visual and tactile intraoral examination in detecting oral lesions in an adult, high risk population. Methods: A convenience sample of 30 participants (17 cigarette smokers and 13 dual addiction smokers) was enrolled. For the purpose of this study, dual addition was defined as cigarettes plus hookah usage. Two trained and calibrated dental hygienists conducted all examinations. Visual and tactile intraoral examinations were conducted, followed by VELscope® Vx florescence examinations. All subjects received an inspection of the lips, labial mucosa, buccal mucosa, floor of …

Jordanian Dentists' Knowledge And Implementation Of Eco-Friendly Dental Office Strategies, Sabha Mahmoud Al Shatrat

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if Jordanian dentists have knowledge about eco-friendly dental offices strategies and were employing these in their dental practices. Male and female dentists between the ages of 23–65, who work in private dental practices in the city of Amman, the capital of Jordan, were included in this study. Dentists' names and addresses were obtained from the Jordanian Dental Association. Data for this study was gathered via a researcher-designed questionnaire distributed to a convenience sample of 150 dentists. Dentists were selected according to their dental practice locality until the required number was completed. The …

Bisphenol A Blood And Saliva Levels Prior To And After Dental Sealant Placement In Adults, Joyce Marie Downs

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

Placement of pit and fissure dental sealants is an effective therapy for tooth decay prevention and is widely accepted as a standard of care throughout the United States. Pit and fissure dental sealants (sealants) are manufactured using the resin component of composite dental materials, formed by reacting glycidyl methacrylate with bisphenol A. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a hormonally active, synthetic chemical that is part of a broad group of chemicals known as endocrine disrupting compounds, xenoestrogens, which mimic bioactivity of estrogen. This study measured BP A in saliva and blood after the placement of a widely used, pit and fissure …

Effects Of Five Different Finger Rest Positions On Arm Muscle Activity During Scaling By Dental Hygiene Students, Mary Elizabeth Cosaboom

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

This study was conducted to determine the effects of five different finger rest positions, (fulcrums: opposite arch, standard intra-oral, basic extra-oral, cross arch and finger on finger) on the muscle activity of four forearm muscles, (extensor carpi radialis longus, flexor carpi ulnar is, biceps brachii and pronator teres) during a simulated periodontal scaling experience. A convenience sample of 32 consenting right handed senior dental hygiene students who met inclusion criteria participated. The 32 students had no history of injuries or disabilities to the right arm, wrist, or hand. Pre-test maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) scores were obtained prior …

Effects Of Tooth Whitening Use On Oral Health Interests And Values In Adults, Katie Jo Ballantyne Sargent

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

The primary purpose of this study was to determine if tooth whitening product use influences oral health interests and values in an adult population. A two-group, randomized, pre-test, multiple post-test design was used for studying 60 adults between the ages of 18 and 60. Persons who use tobacco products, have composite/tooth-colored anterior restorations, less than eight anterior teeth, pregnant or lactating women, or those who have previously used a whitening product other than toothpaste were excluded from the study. At baseline, a researcher-designed Oral Health Questionnaire was administered to consenting adults to determine the level of oral health interests and …

Vital Tooth Whitening: Effects On Tooth Color Satisfaction, Beliefs About Dentofacial Appearance, And Self-Esteem In Older Adults, Kelly Marie Seeber

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of vital tooth whitening on tooth color satisfaction, beliefs about dentofacial appearance, and self-esteem in a population 50 years of age and older. A two-group, randomized, pre-test, post-test, single-blind design was utilized following !RB-approval. Sixty-two participants were enrolled. Fifty-three participants (N=53) completed the study with no adverse events reported. Both the control and experimental groups received instructions for a threeweek oral self-care regimen, a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss. The experimental group also received a tooth whitening product (independent variable) to be used during the same three-week period. Dependent variable measures …

In Vitro Evaluation Of The Reciprocating Disposable Prophylaxis Angle Versus The Rotating Disposable Prophylaxis Angle In Extrinsic Stain Removal Effectiveness, Inma Lacross

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the extrinsic tooth stain removing effectiveness of a 90° counter-rotating disposable prophylaxis angle (DPA) with rubber cup as compared to the traditional 360° unirotational DPA with rubber cup. Four randomly assigned groups of cleaned, sterilized, extracted human teeth, artificially stained with coffee, tea, tobacco, and red wine were polished on the buccal and lingual surfaces using one of the two rubber cup DP As under study. Each dependent variable (four different stain types) was tested four times with each prophylaxis angle, using each of the four prophylaxis paste conditions, and three different …

Use Of Miswak Versus Toothbrushes: Oral Health And Behaviors Of Jordanian Adults, Reem Saleem Tubaishat

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the perceived relationship among miswak, the toothbrush, and toothbrush-plus-miswak usage on oral health beliefs and behaviors of Jordanians. To examine these relationships, a self-designed questionnaire was distributed to a convenience sample of 150 adult subjects (ages 18-60 years) seeking dental care at the health center, and two private dental clinics in Irbid, Jordan. Via the Oral Health Beliefs and Behaviors of Jordanian People Questionnaire, participants were asked to select one and sometimes more than one response regarding their perceived oral health status and oral care behaviors. Content validity of the questionnaire …

Effects Of Daily Oral Care With 0.12% Chlorhexidine Gluconate And A Standard Oral Care Protocol On The Development Of Nosocomial Pneumonia In Intubated Patients- A Pilot Study, Michelle Lynn Bopp

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

The initial purpose of the study was to determine if a difference existed between nosocomial pneumonia rates for intubated patients who received twice daily oral hygiene care with 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate and those who received the standard oral care while in the critical care unit (CCU). Over seven months (February - August), participants were identified through screening and consent procedures, and randomized into one of two groups. Over the seven months, only five subjects were enrolled. While in the study, twice-daily oral hygiene care consisting of brushing the cheeks, teeth and endotracheal tube with a suctioning toothbrush using an FDA …

Managerial And Administrative Competencies For Dental Hygiene Program Administrators, Kelly Gale Tanner

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

The purposes of this descriptive study was to validate a list of managerial competencies that may guide administrative/management curricula within master of science in dental hygiene programs nationwide, and compile strategies for the development and implementation of the administrative and managerial competencies for future dental hygiene program administrators. Of the entire population of directors and chairpersons from accredited and accreditation eligible dental hygiene programs nationwide (N=262), 10 were randomly selected and used in a pilot survey. After establishing validity and test-retest reliability, a self-designed instrument, the Managerial and Administrative Competencies for Dental Hygiene Program Administrators Questionnaire, was mailed to …

Sexual Harassment In The Virginia Dental Hygiene Profession, Anne Pennington

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Oral Health Knowledge, Attitudes, And Behaviors Of Qatari People, Najat Abdrabbo J. Saleh Al-Salahi

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this descriptive study was to determine the oral health knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of Qatari people. The convenience sample consisted of 859 Qatari people between the ages of 18-72 from Hamad Medical Corporation Dental Department,

Public Dental Health Care Centres, University of Qatar, Police and Army Departments, governmental schools, a private dental clinic, and citizens. Participants were asked to complete a self-designed questionnaire titled Oral Health Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors of

Qatari People. Prior to the study, 20 Arab college students responded to the questionnaire in a test-retest procedure to establish instrument reliability. The content validity of …

The Effects Of Procedural Explanation In Lessening Anxiety During Dental Hygiene Care, Michelle Leigh Sensat

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this investigation was to determine if procedural explanation, given during dental hygiene care, significantly reduces client anxiety. The sample consisted of 62 subjects selected randomly from the population of all current clients, with records dating from 1994 to the present, of a private general dental practice in Virginia Beach, Virginia. A randomized subjects, pretest-posttest design was used to determine ii if procedural explanation yields a significant reduction in client anxiety as opposed to no such explanation during treatment procedures, measured by the Mann-Whitney U test and Wilcoxon matched-pairs tests. The Dental Hygiene Fear Survey served as the …