Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
- Keyword
-
- Dental hygienists (27)
- Dental hygiene (10)
- Oral health (9)
- Dental hygiene students (7)
- Oral care (6)
-
- Oral hygiene (5)
- Dental hygiene programs (4)
- Dental plaque (4)
- Gingivitis (4)
- Oral hygiene products (4)
- Chlorhexidine (3)
- Dental care (3)
- Dental health education (3)
- Periodontal disease (3)
- Teeth bleaching (3)
- Toothbrushes (3)
- Attitudes (2)
- Children (2)
- Community dental services (2)
- Competency-based education (2)
- Dental instruments (2)
- Dental personnel and patient (2)
- Diagnosis (2)
- Early detection (2)
- Empathy (2)
- Ergonomics (2)
- Healthcare (2)
- Jordan (2)
- Mouth cancer (2)
- Overuse injuries (2)
- Publication Year
Articles 1 - 30 of 91
Full-Text Articles in Medicine and Health Sciences
The Prevalence Of Burnout In Saudi Arabia Dental Hygienists, Nouf Hamad Aldayel
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 …
Dental Hygiene Students Reported Physiological Symptoms Associated With Wearing An N95 Respirator Mask, Peyton Shea Butler
Dental Hygiene Students Reported Physiological Symptoms Associated With Wearing An N95 Respirator Mask, Peyton Shea Butler
Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations
Purpose: Physiological symptoms and comfort levels while wearing an N95 respiratory mask has not been examined with dental hygienists. The purpose of this study was to investigate dental hygiene students reported physiological symptoms and comfort perception while wearing an N95 respirator mask during patient care appointments. Methods: After IRB approval (IRB #1987754-2), a 16-item questionnaire was distributed through email to a convenience sample of 65 dental hygiene students. Questions assessed respiratory, dermatologic, cardiac, mask mouth and general physiological symptoms, as well as comfort levels. Additionally, participants were asked to respond to demographic questions and one open ended question inquiring about …
Dental Hygienists’ Practices, Attitudes, And Confidence In Providing Care To Child Patients With Autism Spectrum Disorder (Asd), Fatimah Abdulrahman Alshehri
Dental Hygienists’ Practices, Attitudes, And Confidence In Providing Care To Child Patients With Autism Spectrum Disorder (Asd), Fatimah Abdulrahman Alshehri
Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations
Problem: Given the growing number of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) over the past decades and their significant need for access to dental care, it becomes essential to have dental hygienists adequately prepared to provide care to child patients with ASD. This study aimed to assess dental hygienists’ practices, attitudes, and confidence levels in providing care for child patients with ASD. Methods: An 18–item, adapted survey was validated and administered to participants at the Virtual ODU Continuing Education Annual Conference. Data was collected via Qualtrics® from 187 dental hygienist attendees. The survey domains studied included demographics, practice settings, …
The Effects Of Sitting And Standing Hygiene On Posture In Dental Hygiene Students, Taylor Shay Kace
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 …
Self-Reported Oral Health Assessment And Attitudes Toward Oral Health For Adults With Cystic Fibrosis, Ahmed Ali Almuntashiri
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 …
Current Radiation Safety Practices Of United States Dental Hygienists, Kimberly Lintag
Current Radiation Safety Practices Of United States Dental Hygienists, Kimberly Lintag
Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations
Problem: The purpose of this study was to determine licensed dental hygienists’ current radiation safety practices.
Methods: Data was collected with a 22 item, IRB exempt online survey administered to a sample of 1,500 U.S. dental hygienists who were subscribers of a professional journal. Questions focused on respondents’ use of ADA selection criteria guidelines, policies implemented by their dental practice, and hand-held portable x-ray device use and training. A response rate of 38% (N=566) was obtained. Cross tabulations were obtained using logistic regression and general linear models for significance at a 0.05 level.
Results: A majority of respondents had an …
The Relationship Between Obesity And Periodontal Disease, Jean Conover
The Relationship Between Obesity And Periodontal Disease, Jean Conover
Dental Hygiene Master's Papers and Projects
Obesity has been targeted as the sixth most significant risk factor worldwide that is known to contribute to both oral and other associated systemic diseases.2 According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the prevalence of obesity among adults in the U.S. is 40% and 18.5% in youth with prevalence higher among middle aged adults (42.8%) than younger adults (35.7%).3 As of 2016, nearly two billion people worldwide were either overweight or obese.1 Research indicates accumulated excessive fat from being overweight or obese contributes to serious health impairments.4 World-wide obesity is associated with increased …
A Study Of Visible Tattoos In Entry-Level Dental Hygiene Education Programs, Kathryn R. Search
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 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 …
The Effects Of Instrument Handle Design On Forearm Muscle Activity During Scaling By Dental Hygienists, Jessica Rae Suedbeck
The Effects Of Instrument Handle Design On Forearm Muscle Activity During Scaling By Dental Hygienists, Jessica Rae Suedbeck
Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of 4 different commercially available instrument handle designs (A. 16 grams and 12.7 mm diameter; B. 23 grams and 11.1 mm diameter; C. 21 grams and 7.9 mm diameter; D. 18 grams and 6.35 mm diameter) on the muscle activity of four forearm muscles during a simulated scaling experience. Methods: A convenience sample of 27 dental hygienists used a Columbia 13/14 curet with four different instrument handles to scale artificial calculus. While scaling, each participant’s muscle activity was measured using surface electromyography (sEMG). Participants completed an end user opinion …
The Effect Of Magnification Loupes On Posture During Instrumentation By Dental Hygienists, Emily Anne Ludwig
The Effect Of Magnification Loupes On Posture During Instrumentation By Dental Hygienists, Emily Anne Ludwig
Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of dental magnification loupes on posture during instrumentation. Methods: A convenience sample of twenty-seven righthanded dental hygienists with no history of injuries or disabilities of the head, neck, and trunk regions was enrolled. Baseline posture calibration was taken. Accelerometers were placed on four locations of the head and trunk (occipital pole of head, cervical vertebrae: C5, thoracic vertebrae: T5, lumbar vertebrae: L1) to measure changes in posture. Accelerations in three axes were recorded (anterior/posterior (AP), medial/lateral (ML), vertical (VT)). Mean accelerations of the three axes were used to compute …
Dental Consumers' Perceptions Of Dental Hygienists With Visible Tattoos, Amanda Brooke Verissimo
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
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 …
Disaster Preparedness & Response: A Survey Of U.S. Dental Hygienists, Brenda Tallon Bradshaw
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 …
Analysis Of Electronic Teaching And Reflective Learning For Dental Hygiene Education, Cassandra Huffman
Analysis Of Electronic Teaching And Reflective Learning For Dental Hygiene Education, Cassandra Huffman
OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers
The problem of this study was to examine if electronic course delivery used reflective learning strategies in educating dental hygiene students.
Use Of Immersive Visualization For The Control Of Dental Anxiety During Dental Hygiene Treatment, Carmelo Padrino-Barrios
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 …
Fluorescent Technology Versus Visual And Tactile Examination In The Detection Of Oral Lesion: A Pilot Study, Hadeel Mohammed Ayoub
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 …
Comparing Velscope Vx And Traditional Oral Exams In Shisha (Hookah) Smokers: A Pilot Study, Amanda E. Kimball
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, …
Effects Of Low Temperature Atmospheric Pressure Plasma On Tooth Whitening, Denise Michelle Claiborne
Effects Of Low Temperature Atmospheric Pressure Plasma On Tooth Whitening, Denise Michelle Claiborne
Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations
Low temperature atmospheric pressure plasma (LT APP) is a novel science being studied as an alternative light source to enhance tooth whitening. The safety and effectiveness of LTAPP has not been established therefore; the purpose of this study was to determine if LTAPP along with H2O2 gel would safely and effectively accelerate the tooth whitening process, in terms of lightness and temperature. Two treatment groups were utilized: 36% H2O2 gel only and 36% H2O2 gel plus LT APP. Control group received no treatment. Experimental teeth were exposed to LT APP at …
Using Modeling And Simulation To Improve Oral Health Services Delivery In Hampton Roads, Virginia, Mohammad J. Alzahrani
Using Modeling And Simulation To Improve Oral Health Services Delivery In Hampton Roads, Virginia, Mohammad J. Alzahrani
Health Services Research Dissertations
The purpose of this study is to examine the system performance in delivering oral health services in a public health district based on the Conceptual Framework to Measure Performance of the Public Health System (PHS). Using modeling and simulation, a predictive model based on the conceptual framework dimensions: mission, structural capacity, processes, and outcomes was developed to predict the performance of public health district in delivering oral health services.
This is a retrospective longitudinal study. The main objective of this study is to use a modeling and simulation approach to predict the performance of public health district dental clinic in …
Magnification Loupes In U.S. Entry-Level Dental Hygiene Programs, Leslie Mchaney Congdon
Magnification Loupes In U.S. Entry-Level Dental Hygiene Programs, Leslie Mchaney Congdon
Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine policies and practices regarding magnification loupes among accredited dental hygiene programs as measured by a 31- item, self-designed questionnaire titled Magnifying Loupes in U.S. Entry Level Dental Hygiene Programs. In addition, the study compared policies among dental hygiene programs in two year versus four year programs in terms of requirements for the use of magnification loupes.
Methods: After institutional review board approval, the questionnaire was emailed via Survey Monkey to 303 entry-level dental hygiene programs. An overall response rate of 75% was obtained. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and …
Oral Healthcare In Kenya: Implications For Dental Hygiene Care, Grace Kogi
Oral Healthcare In Kenya: Implications For Dental Hygiene Care, Grace Kogi
Dental Hygiene Master's Papers and Projects
This paper is a review of literature describing the educational, healthcare delivery and healthcare finance systems in Kenya. The document discusses the unmet oral health needs of the Kenyan population and how implementing the role of the dental hygienist would positively impact oral health promotion throughout the country. Kenyan communities experience all of the major environmental determinants of oral disease, e.g., widespread poverty, underdevelopment, outdated dental equipment, insufficient supply and distribution of qualified dental care professionals and lack of preventive oral health services. About six in ten Kenyans are unable to afford healthcare, clothing, or food; therefore, oral healthcare has …
Improving Oral Health In Pakistan Using Dental Hygienists, Musarrat Anjum Shah
Improving Oral Health In Pakistan Using Dental Hygienists, Musarrat Anjum Shah
Dental Hygiene Master's Papers and Projects
This document presents a review of the literature addressing education, healthcare, healthcare delivery and finance in Pakistan and the oral health status of the Pakistani people. Considering the enormous unmet oral health needs, the insufficient supply of dental professionals and the current unstructured dental hygiene curriculum in Pakistan, this document offers a mission, vision, and goals for the new dental hygiene theoretical framework for Pakistan. Moreover, it offers recommendations for competency-based dental hygiene education and practice, professional licensing, a practice act, and a dental hygiene scope of practice to help protect the welfare of the Pakistani public, i.e., increasing the …
Bisphenol A Blood And Saliva Levels Prior To And After Dental Sealant Placement In Adults, Joyce Marie Downs
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 …
In Vitro Comparison Of 360° Unirotational Disposable Prophylaxis Angles Versus 90° Reciprocating Disposable Prophylaxis Angles On Spatter During Rubber Cup Polishing, Kelly Marie Schulz
In Vitro Comparison Of 360° Unirotational Disposable Prophylaxis Angles Versus 90° Reciprocating Disposable Prophylaxis Angles On Spatter During Rubber Cup Polishing, Kelly Marie Schulz
Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations
The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the traditional 360° unirotational disposable prophylaxis angle (DPA) to a 90° reciprocating DPA in terms of spatter production. The 2x3x3 factorial design involved: 2 types of DP As x 3 types of prophylaxis pastes (fine, medium and coarse) x 3 dental handpiece revolutions per minute (rpm) settings (1500, 2000, and 3000). The eStylus'™ operated the DP As under controlled speeds. Using a mounted dental manikin, 90° reciprocating DP As and 360° unirotational DP As were evaluated for spatter production with the use of prophylaxis pastes of various grits in 270 …
Vital Tooth Whitening Effects On Oral Health-Related Quality Of Life In Older Adults, Ann Michelle Poindexter
Vital Tooth Whitening Effects On Oral Health-Related Quality Of Life In Older Adults, Ann Michelle Poindexter
Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations
This study determined if vital tooth whitening affects oral health-related quality of life (OHRQOL) in adults ≥50-years old, and if tooth whitening promotes individuals to seek regular professional dental care and participation in social activities. Using a two-group, single blind, randomized, pre-test-post-test design, 62 participants were enrolled. The experimental group used a whitening product twice daily for three weeks, while the control group used no whitening products. Tooth color satisfaction was assessed using the Tooth Color Satisfaction Scale and was correlated with overall oral health-related quality of life. The Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP), used as the pre-test …
Effects Of Tooth Whitening Use On Oral Health Interests And Values In Adults, Katie Jo Ballantyne Sargent
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
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 …
Effectiveness Of Chlorhexidine-Coating In Controlling Bacterial Quantity On Toothbrush Filaments, Lisa A. Turner
Effectiveness Of Chlorhexidine-Coating In Controlling Bacterial Quantity On Toothbrush Filaments, Lisa A. Turner
Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to determine if a significant difference exists in the effectiveness· of chlorhexidine-coated nylon brush filaments as compared to uncoated nylon filaments in reducing the quantity of bacteria. Methods: An IRB-approved, two-group, double-blind, randomized, post-test only design was conducted. Sixty-four individuals were randomly assigned to two equal groups of 32. After using the control or experimental toothbrushes for 30-days, participants returned the toothbrushes to the researchers in sealed autoclave bags. In the laboratory, microorganisms were detached from the toothbrush filaments by sonification and vortexing, then plated on both selective and non-selective media at various dilutions …