Digital Commons Network^™

Knowledge, Attitudes, And Expectations Among Certified Nursing Assistants Providing Oral Care To Individuals With Alzheimer's Disease Or Another Form Of Dementia Utilizing Music Therapy, Gina Dunn

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

Purpose: Current literature was aimed to explore CNAs attitudes, knowledge, and expectations on the use of music for individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)/dementia while providing oral care.

Methods: A single survey, 5-point Likert scale survey that included demographic and qualitative questions, was posted on a private CNA Facebook group page. The survey was posted to explore attitudes, knowledge, and expectations of CNAs towards the use of music therapy. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square, and thematic coding.

Results: A convenience sample of (N = 55) CNAs participated in the study. IBM SPSS® version 28.0.1 was used to analyze the …

The Impact Of Powered Toothbrushing On Patients With Diabetes, Kristian Ariel Carrasco

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

Purpose: Studies have shown that periodontal therapy can help manage diabetes and that powered toothbrushes promote better home care. However, there is no literature making the connection whether powered toothbrushes could assist in blood glucose management in diabetic patients. The primary aim for this study was to evaluate the efficacy of brushing with a powered toothbrush in patients with diabetes mellitus.

Methods: This clinical study included 8 (N = 8) adult participants from Willamette Dental group in Richland, WA. The individuals were asked to participate in a 6-week study testing whether brushing with a powered toothbrush affected their blood glucose …

Evaluating An Interprofessional Ergonomic Intervention For Dental Hygiene Students, Lashonna M. Knight

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

Purpose: Ergonomics plays an important role in identifying and reducing biomechanical stress and preventing musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries by creating a better fit between physical requirements and work environments. This study examined the benefits of implementing an interprofessional education (IPE) module in a dental hygiene curriculum with a dental hygienist (DH) and occupational therapist (OT) teaching and assessing students’ ergonomics.

Methods: Students participated in an IPE intervention to incorporate preventive techniques into their daily routine, to model these protective strategies for use as practicing DHs throughout their careers. Prior to the module and at the end of the six-week study, students …

A Pilot Study: Periodontal Risk Factor Screening Tool For Certified Diabetes Care Education Specialists, Holly Brawner

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

Purpose: There is a bidirectional link between uncontrolled diabetes and untreated periodontal disease. Controlling periodontal infection plays an essential role in the overall management of diabetes. This study explored an interprofessional (IP) collaboration between Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (CDCES) and Dental Hygienists and the utility of a point of care Periodontal Screening Tool (PST) for CDCES to build confidence in informing their clients on periodontal disease risk factors and providing resources to seek dental care.

Methods: This pilot study used a pre-test post-test design where a survey was administered prior to CDCES participating in an Education and Training …

A Pilot Study Of Meditation As A Stress Reliever For Dental Hygiene Students During Times Of Heightened Stress, Sarah Henderson

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

Purpose: Dental hygiene students face an exorbitant amount of stress during their educational pursuits. This has only been compounded by the added stress of the COVID-19 pandemic. Students may benefit from the practice of meditation in managing their stress levels during these trying times. This study analyzes the effectiveness of meditation as a stress reliever for dental hygiene students as they navigate their education during the pandemic and the effects it may have on perception of stress, academic achievement, and physical health.

Methods: Students participated in a four-week meditation study, consisting of a 30-minute guided meditation completed once weekly. Prior …

Preparing Student Dental Hygienists In Care Of Persons Of Developmental Disabilities Using A Virtual Patient Module, Janis Mcclelland

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to examine if participation in an interactive virtual patient (VP) module increased dental hygiene students’ knowledge in caring for individuals with developmental disability (DD) and if participation in an interactive, VP module would impact dental hygiene students’ perception of difficulty in caring for individuals with DD.

Methods: The study utilized a mixed-methods study design with a convenience sample composed of eighteen (N=18) dental hygiene students. A pre-test/post-test design was utilized in two measures based on the content of the VP module. The eight-item Disability Situations Inventory (DSI) measured perceived sense of difficulty in …

A Pilot Study Of Oral Health Related Quality Of Life During Gynecologic Cancer Treatment, Stephanie Kushnir

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine if oral health education increases oral health related quality of life in gynecologic oncology patients.

Methods: In this pilot study, 23 participants (18 - 70+ years) with a history of gynecologic cancer were recruited to participate in the study. Participants completed an Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) questionnaire prior to and after given education packet.

Results: At baseline, the mean pre-test OHIP-14 score was 6.7 (SD 8.4) and mean OHIP-14 post-test score was 8.8 (SD 8.4). Pearson Correlation was .90. P (T< = t) one-tail p < .008. Demonstrating statistical significance.

Conclusion: OHIP-14 scores increased after four-weeks, higher scores of …

Interprofessional Education Between Dental Hygiene And Occupational Therapy Students In Relation To Stroke Care, Morgan Umlauf

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

Purpose: To determine if interprofessional education (IPE) program with dental hygiene and occupational therapy students help determine roles and responsibilities in patients post-stroke.

Methods: A virtual 90-minute educational module was presented to occupational therapy and dental hygiene students, hosted over zoom with a 30-minute presentation followed by an open discussion over two case studies. A pretest was administered before the event and followed by an immediate posttest. Both tests included the Modified Readiness for Interprofessional Learning (mRIPLS) items that are on a 5-point Likert scale.

Results: The virtual IPE showed that there were positive changes in pretest to posttest scores. …

Assessing Interpersonal Communication In Dental Hygiene Students Providing Geriatric Care, Lasandra Wilson

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

Purpose: This study examined the implementation of an educational module regarding development of communication skills between dental hygiene students and the geriatric population. The educational module assessed students’ perceived abilities and confidence in communicating with the geriatric population. Subsequently, a standardized rubric determined if there is a difference between how faculty assess students, patients assess students, and students assess themselves.

Methods: Dental hygiene students from the University of South Dakota participated in the educational module and completed pre and post tests. Voice recordings from student-patient interactions in the clinic setting were evaluated by faculty, patients, and students using a rubric …

Virtual Objective Structured Clinical Examinations As A Framework For Active Learning And Assessment: A Retrospective Analysis Of Dental Hygiene Student And Instructor Perceptions, Kellie Whitcomb

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

Purpose: Millennials have unique needs as learners and have come to expect the use of technology in education. Utilizing technology to implement formative virtual objective structured clinical examinations (vOSCEs) may engage millennial students due to the non-linear nature and active pedagogy while also preparing them for provisional or full licensing exams. The purpose of this study was to determine what implications there may be for future formative vOSCE use in dental hygiene programs by assessing dental hygiene student and clinic faculty experience with vOSCEs.

Methods: Research was from a qualitative perspective. The design was a retrospective phenomenological cohort study utilizing …

Developing A Vector For Expressing Serratiopeptidase In Lactococcus Lactis, Taylor C. Mauzy

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

Chronic inflammation stems from the inability of the body to resolve acute inflammation. Chronic inflammation is a growing health concern, as nearly 60% of Americans reported coping with at least one chronic condition (as of 2014). On a world scale, three fifths of deaths result from a chronic inflammation disease. Treatments for chronic inflammation include lifestyle changes (diet and exercise) and a variety of conventional drugs. Beyond these treatments, supplementing the body with systemic enzymes may attenuate inflammation. One promising enzyme is serratiopeptidase. Serratiopeptidase is a serine protease expressed by Serratia marcescens which has demonstrated anti-inflammatory, anti-edemic, and analgesic activity …

Oral Care During Pregnancy: An Educational Intervention, Holly Redwine

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

Purpose: Interprofessional collaboration can help prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes related to poor oral health. This study was conducted to see if an educational module provided by a dental hygienist (DH) could increase the knowledge and confidence of physician assistant (PA) students with preventive oral care for the pregnant patient.

Methods: A one group mixed-method approach was used in this research. Pregnancy and oral health knowledge were assessed using a 9-item pretest and posttest survey. Participants completed the pretest, were presented an educational module, and were asked to complete an immediate posttest. A second posttest was sent via e-mail to the …

Using Motivational Interviewing And Technology To Increase Confidence In Nutritional Counseling Among Dental Hygienists: A Thesis, Heather Anderson

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

Purpose: Research shows definite connections between food choices and caries, periodontal disease, and oral cancer. Dental hygienists have the unique opportunity to educate patients on how nutrition can improve oral health. Dental hygiene students are introduced to these concepts but struggle to gain confidence to share this knowledge with patients. This study looked at an educational module on motivational interviewing (MI) and an electronic assessment tool to build student confidence with nutritional counseling.

Methods: Students participated in an educational module to review MI and introduce the electronic nutritional risk assessment and counseling tool. Prior to the module, participants completed a …

Digital Scan To Enhance Patient Education, Dana Leann Tasche

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate if the use of a 3D intraoral scan as a visual aid improves a patient’s communication self-efficacy and risk-literacy concerning their periodontal disease status.

Methods: This study used a parallel experimental research design and collected quantitative data through a pre-test and two post-tests for both groups. The Ask, Understand, Remember Assessment (AURA) survey was used to collect quantitative data pertaining to patient communication self-efficacy and the Protection Motivation Survey (PMS) was used to evaluate each patient’s risk-literacy of their periodontal disease. The addition of four Likert-scale questions concerning experience with the …

Improving Dopamine Monitoring With Ncam And The Effects Of Intranasal Oxytocin On Dopamine Signaling In The Rat Brain, Darren Earl Ginder

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

Dopamine (DA) is a neurohormone highly involved in learning and memory. Oxytocin (OXT), another neurohormone, has also been implicated in learning and memory. Fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) is a method used for the real-time examination of DA neurotransmission in the brain. Implanting FSCV electrodes is an invasive technique that likely results in an inflammatory response (i.e. gliosis) that can restrict FSCV recording of DA signals. Neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) may reduce gliosis and potentially improve the ability of FSCV electrodes to monitor DA signaling. Chapter 1 Methods: FSCV electrodes were coated with NCAM and implanted in the rat brain. …

Perceptions Of Dental Hygienists' Role On The Prenatal Care Team, Lisa Westhoff

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine dental hygienists’ perceptions of their role on the prenatal care team and perceptions of obstetricians towards the role of dental hygienists as part of the prenatal care team. Methods: Data was collected from an anonymous electronic Likert-style survey sent to obstetricians at Denver Health and Hospitality Authority (DHHA) and Colorado Dental Hygienists’ Association (CODHA) members. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics to provide an overview of survey data from all three subscales: knowledge (subscale 1), scope (subscale 2), and perceptions (subscale 3) and the standard t-Test to determine differences between demographics (collaboration …

Perceptions And Attitudes Of Healthcare Students Towards Marijuana, Carrie Crosby

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

Perceptions of marijuana were studied in healthcare students at EWU. It was found that most students had an average self-reported knowledge of marijuana use. Marijuana comes in several forms such as, edibles, smoked, patches, and lotions. With its recent legalization in Washington State, sales tax alone has accumulated $400 million dollars in the past 3 years. With this increase in use an examination of healthcare students was warranted. Most students also felt there was a need for more education on marijuana and that their current knowledge level was not enough to be competent when talking with patients about use. Overall, …

The Lasting Impact Of Intraprofessional Education Between Dentists And Dental Hygienists, Kimber Satter

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

Purpose: The Regional Initiatives in Dental Education (RIDE) program at the University of Washington (UW) allows first year dental students to take courses with Eastern Washington University dental hygiene (DH) students. This study was conducted to see if the RIDE program is effective as an Intraprofessional Education (IntraPE) program in improving dentists’ attitudes towards teamwork and understanding the roles and responsibilities of the DH.

Methods: UW School of Dentistry alumni from 2012-2017 were invited to participate in this study. Attitudes towards teamwork and roles and responsibilities were assessed using two online surveys: a demographic survey containing open-ended questions, and a …

Efficacy Of Brushing With Probiotics For The Reduction Of Gingivitis, Cheri L. Barton

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

Purpose: The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of brushing with the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri on plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation. This study included 34 healthy adult subjects, ages 18-65, exhibiting gingivitis. Participants were asked to participate in a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study testing whether brushing with L. reuteri probiotic drops added to toothpaste reduced the clinical parameters of gingivitis more than brushing with a placebo drop added to toothpaste.

Methods: Biological measurements of plaque accumulation were recorded using disclosing solution and an O’Leary Plaque Score (PS), and gingival inflammation was recorded using a modified …

Exploring Student-Led Interprofessional Education Through A Community Service Project, Lindsay Ann Doerschuk

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

Purpose: The purpose of this research was to explore the effectiveness of a student-led interprofessional education (IPE) workshop in improving student attitudes and perceptions toward IPE. Students from four health science programs including Dental Hygiene, Communication Sciences and Disorders/Speech and Hearing, Health Services Administration and Occupational Therapy participated in a community service event. Students provided screenings to veteran patients including a health history intake, hearing test, and sleep screening while other students observed.

Methods: Students were asked to attend an orientation, the Vets Day IPE workshop, and a debrief session. This mixed methods approach study utilized the Readiness for Interprofessional …

A Survey Of Dental Hygiene Program Directors: Curriculum Development And Implementation For The Dental Hygiene-Based Dental Therapist, Heidi Desmarais

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

Purpose: This study used a survey of program directors and program chairs to analyze relationships related to curriculum development for a dental hygiene-based dental therapist and the question of how external variables affect allied health workforce development and implementation.

Methods: A survey instrument was utilized to help identify the relationship between a dental hygiene-based dental therapist curriculum and the external influences of future needs of the dental hygiene profession and workforce; external influences; and institutional influences on curriculum design and implementation using Spearman’s rho testing. The open-ended question was studied through the application of grounded theory analysis. (N=340).

Results: Upon …

Naturopathic Physicians’ Attitudes, Knowledge, And Practices Regarding Xylitol In Clinical Practice, Agatha Stavnesli

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

Abstract

Purpose: The intent of this study was to assess naturopathic physicians’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the use of xylitol clinical practice. Methods: This study utilized a convenience sample of naturopathic physicians (NPs) (N=325) through an online survey via SurveyMonkey®. Results: The majority of NPs were knowledgeable of the medical and dental uses of xylitol (84%; n = 53 and 95%; n = 60, respectively). Ninety percent (n=57) viewed the current demand for naturopathic medicine as increasing. The medical literature was the highest ranked source of information on xylitol (45%; n = 28) with clinical practice guidelines being reported …

Endoscope Use To Improve Students’ Periodontal Debridement Skills And Self-Efficacy, Sandra J. Walker

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

Purpose: The primary aim of this study was to determine if using the dental endoscope altered dental hygienists’ perception of periodontal disease, changed their instrumentation skills, helped increase self-efficacy, and if multiple uses had an effect on participants’ self-efficacy in debridement skills. Methods: This mixed-method convenient sample study included dental hygienists (N = 34) recruited from Eastern Washington University Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene or Master of Science in Dental Hygiene Program. EWU Alumni with at least one experience using the dental endoscope during patient care completed an anonymous self-efficacy survey through SurveyMonkey®. The survey included seven demographic questions, …

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Educational Intervention Of Dental Hygiene Students, Kathrine Pottle

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

Purpose: Dental hygienists (DHs) have a unique opportunity to screen for OSA, but receive limited OSA education within the DH curriculum. This study was conducted to determine if an online educational intervention could significantly increase the knowledge of information relevant to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) screening in dental hygiene (DH) students. Methods: OSA knowledge was assessed with a 17 question, comprehension based pre-test and post-test. The convenience sample consisted of first year DH students enrolled in DNHY 341S Management of the Medically Compromised at Eastern Washington University (EWU). Participants completed the pre-test, viewed the OSA educational video, completed a post-test, …

Use Of Instructional Videos In Remediation To Enhance Dental Hygiene Students’ Restorative Skills, Cristina Lu

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

Purpose: Performing restorative procedures is one of the scopes of practice for dental hygienists in Washington State. To ensure dental hygiene students are clinically competent with their skills upon graduation, remediation is inevitable. However, with current challenges faculty face with traditional remedial interventions such as heavy workload and faculty availability, an alternative effective method of providing restorative remediation for dental hygiene students would be beneficial. This study investigated whether the use of instructional videos in remediation enhanced dental hygiene students’ restorative skills. Methods: This mixed-method study used a convenience sample of senior dental hygiene students. In this counterbalanced experimental design, …

Interprofessional Education On Oral Care For Cancer Patients In Dental Hygiene And Nursing, Shaun Christenson

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

Purpose: Interprofessional education (IPE) provides academic experiences for students to learn about different professions, their roles, and improving attitudes toward communications between professions with the intent of improving patient overall healthcare. This study evaluated the impact of IPE and knowledge the students gained on oral healthcare for cancer patients.

Methods: This quasi-experimental study used a convenient sample of nursing and dental hygiene students. Participants were given a pre and post survey to collect quantitative data that included a Readiness for Interprofessional Survey (RIPLS) and a PI-designed multiple-choice survey to determine students’ attitudes and learning. A module of IPE and oral …

The Impact Of Oral Health On Quality Of Life In The Aging Population, Jana Mannen

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

Purpose: This study sought to bring awareness to the scientific community of the need for regular dental care in skilled nursing facilities (SNF) by proving access to oral care has an effect on oral health and may have an impact on the SNF residents’ daily performance and Quality of Life (QoL). Methods: This study was conducted at a private SNF in a southern metropolitan area with a sample size of 30 (N=30). The PI and two research assistants conducted interviews and oral exams using a modified 10 item Oral Impacts on Daily Performance (OIDP) with two free response (QoL) questions, …

Dental Hygienists' Role In Education Of Oropharyngeal Cancers Caused By Human Papillomaviruses: A Thesis, Lacey Anesi

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

"This qualitative design study collected Likert style survey data to describe feelings, perceptions, and attitudes of dental hygienists about their knowledge about oral HPV and its associated risks for OPC. The research quantitatively analyzed the dental hygienists responses from the survey to determine if relationships exist based upon dental hygienists' demographics and knowledge, comfort, and likelihood to discuss oral HPV and HPV vaccine options with patients. The survey found that 81% of surveyed dental hygienists perform an intraoral exam on every patient they care for (n =341, 80.61%). The respondents also indicated that 49.88% (n=212) of dental hygiene patients complete …

Cardiologists Referring Patients For Periodontal Evaluation, Valerie Maxey

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

"The association of periodontal disease and atherosclerotic vascular disease is proven in current scientific literature, however there is no empirical evidence that suggests cardiologists recognize this association or collaborate with dentists to address this association for patients. This study utilized qualitative research method to investigate the current beliefs and practices of five cardiologists. Using a standardized open-ended interview technique, the cardiologists were asked 12 interview questions designed to answer three research questions. Grounded theory method of analysis was followed in order to generate theories to answer the research questions. Results imply that while cardiologists accept the oral-systemic link as associative …

Oral Education For Nursing Home Staff: Minimum Data Set 3.0, Katie Pudwill

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

"This research study is based on an educational module presented to nursing home staff addressing assessment criteria of the Minimum Data Set 3.0 (MDS) dental section, a tool used by staff to evaluate residents' overall health. Relationships were tested between educating nursing home staff on the dental section and accurate completion of the MDS; between educating staff on correct oral assessment and resulting subsequent referrals for dental treatment; and between dental education and staff perceptions regarding the provision of oral assessment and home care. MDS assessments for nursing home residents (N=176) were collected pre- and post-implementation of the educational module, …