Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Prenatal And Pediatric Oral Health Education Among Dental Hygiene Programs In The United States, Denise M. Claiborne, Shillpa Naavaal

Dental Hygiene Faculty Publications

Purpose: Health care and dental providers must be prepared to address the oral health needs of mothers and children in order to reduce the burden of dental disease in these populations. The purpose of this study was to describe the curriculum and clinical experiences related to prenatal and pediatric oral health in the university and community college dental hygiene programs in the United States (US).

Methods: Dental hygiene program directors (PDs) from across the US were invited to participate in a cross-sectional electronic survey regarding the prenatal and pediatric oral health curriculum at their institution. In addition to program characteristics, …

Color-Blind Racial Attitudes In Practicing Dental Hygienists, Emily A. Ludwig, Susan L. Tolle, Jessica R. Suedbeck

Dental Hygiene Faculty Publications

Purpose: Individuals who subscribe to a color-blind racial ideology may not be aware of differences or differential treatment based on race which may be related to racial inequality in the delivery of oral health care. The purpose of this study was to determine color-blind racial attitudes in a convenience sample of clinical dental hygienists.

Methods: A convenience sample of practicing dental hygienists recruited through social media via snowball sampling was invited to participate in this cross-sectional survey study. The Color-Blind Racial Attitudes Scale (CoBRAS), a valid and reliable measuring instrument, was used to determine unawareness of racial attitudes and stereotyping. …

Orofacial Manifestations Of Lyme Disease: A Systematic Review, Brenda Bradshaw, Kelsey M. Jones, Joleen M. Westerdale-Mcinnis, Holly Gaff

Dental Hygiene Faculty Publications

Purpose: Orofacial manifestations of Lyme disease can affect head and neck anatomical structures that are frequently examined by dental professionals. The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the literature for types and frequencies of orofacial manifestations documented in populations in the United States (US) with Lyme disease.

Methods: Four electronic databases (Dentistry and Oral Sciences, PubMed, Cinahl Plus, and Medline) were systematically searched during the summer of 2019 using keywords and MeSH terms to identify relevant studies. Search term alterations and synonyms were cross-checked using the US National Library of Medicine Unified Medical Language System Metathesaurus. Full-text, English …

Electromyographical Assessments Of Recommended Neck And Trunk Positions For Dental Hygienists, Margaret F. Lemaster, Kyle J. Kelleran, Maryam Moeini, Daniel M. Russell

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Purpose: Dental professionals are recommended to limit neck and trunk flexion to within 20° of a neutral (0°) body posture, however empirical support for the recommendations is lacking. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there are differences in muscle workload between a range of neck and trunk postures in a population of dental hygiene students.

Methods: Fifteen first semester senior dental hygiene students with no history of neck and trunk injury volunteered to participate. Surface electromyography was used to record muscle activity from two neck extensors muscles, cervical erector spinae (CES) and upper trapezius (UT), and two …

The Effects Of The Traditional Scaling Technique Versus A Modified Scaling Technique On Muscle Activity And Pinch Force Generation: A Pilot Study, Jessica R. Suedbeck, Cortney Armitano-Lago

Dental Hygiene Faculty Publications

Purpose: Dental hygienists perform precision instrumentation tasks repetitively throughout the workday, placing them at increased risk for developing a musculoskeletal disorder. The purpose of this pilot study was to determine differences in muscle activity and pinch force generation between the traditional scaling technique and a modified scaling technique.

Methods: A convenience sample of dental hygienists (n=12) acted as their own controls in this counterbalance-designed pilot study. Muscle activity and pinch forces were assessed while participants performed traditional and modified scaling techniques with designated instruments on artificial calculus applied to the lower left quadrant of a typodont, for a period of …

Sexual Harassment Issues Among Dental Hygienists, Amber W. Hunt, Brenda T. Bradshaw, Susan Lynn Tolle

Dental Hygiene Faculty Publications

Purpose: The "#MeToo" movement has increased awareness of sexual harassment in the workplace and its detrimental effects on the work environment. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of sexual harassment in a convenience sample of dental hygienists in the state of Virginia (VA).

Methods: A cross-sectional research design was used to determine the experiences of VA dental hygienists with sexual harassment in the workplace occurring over the previous twenty-four months. The revised Sexual Experiences Questionnaire (SEQ-W) measured three constructs: gender harassment, unwanted sexual attention, and sexual coercion and was administered electronically to a convenience sample of …

Innovative Collaborative Service-Learning Experience Among Dental Hygiene And Nurse Practitioner Students: A Pediatric Oral Health Pilot Study, Denise M. Claiborne, Rebecca Poston, Ahlam Joufi

Dental Hygiene Faculty Publications

Purpose: Preventive oral health behaviors are essential for children during early stages of development. The purpose of this study was to pilot an innovative, collaborative service-learning (ICSL) experience for dental hygiene (DH) and primary care nurse practitioner (NP) students to address pediatric oral health.

Methods: A convenience sample of DH and NP students (n=12) participated in the development, planning and delivery of an ICSL activity focusing on pediatric oral health to 44 pre-school aged children. A learning management system was used for the communicating, planning and evaluating the ICSL activity. The interprofessional socialization of the participants was measured using the …

The Additive Effects Of Cell Phone Use And Dental Hygiene Practice On Finger Muscle Strength: A Pilot Study, Jessica R. Suedbeck, Cortney N. Armitano-Lago, Emily A. Ludwig

Dental Hygiene Faculty Publications

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine strength of muscles involved with instrumentation (scaling) by dental hygienists and the additive effects of cellular (mobile) phone usage, as indicated by measurements of muscular force generation.

Methods: A convenience sample of licensed dental hygienists currently in clinical practice (n=16) and an equal number of individuals not currently using devices/tools repetitively for work (n=16), agreed to participate in this pilot study. All participants completed a modified cell phone usage questionnaire to determine their use pattern and frequency. Upon completion of the questionnaire, participants' force production in six muscle groups was measured …

Postmortem Dental Records Identification By Dental Hygiene Students: A Pilot Study, Brenda T. Bradshaw, Ann M. Bruhn, Tara L. Newcomb, Hadiza Galadima

Dental Hygiene Faculty Publications

Purpose: Dental hygienists have the potential for filling critical roles in multidisciplinary victim identification teams. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the accuracy of dental hygiene students utilizing dental charting, bitewings, and skull dentitions for the purpose of making identification matches.

Methods: Thirty senior dental hygiene students (n=30) independently viewed an asynchronous online multimedia-based presentation on the procedures used for collecting and recording forensic dental evidence. Following the presentation participants attempted to chart and match three bitewing radiograph sets to three human skull dentitions by correlating matches/exclusions. Immediately following the activity, each student completed a questionnaire rating …

Radiation Safety Practices Of Dental Hygienists In The United States, Kimberly Lintag, Ann M. Bruhn, Susan Lynn Tolle, Norou Diawara

Dental Hygiene Faculty Publications

Purpose: The As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) principle was developed to promote awareness and minimization of radiation exposure and is supported by radiation control and professional organizations. The purpose of this study was to determine licensed dental hygienists' current radiation safety practices.

Methods: Data were collected with a 22 item, online survey administered to a convenience sample of 1,500 dental hygienists in the United States. Questions focused on respondents' use of the American Dental Association (ADA) radiographic examination selection guidelines, their individual dental practice policies, and hand-held portable x-ray device use and training. Cross tabulations were obtained using logistic …

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 …

Disaster Preparedness And Response: A Survey Of U.S. Dental Hygienists, Brenda T. Bradshaw, Ann P. Bruhn, Tara L. Newcomb, Bridget T. Giles, Kathryn Simms

Dental Hygiene Faculty Publications

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess dental hygienists’ interests, current involvement, formal education, views, comfort levels, and intentions for involvement with disaster preparedness and response.

Methods: Dental hygienists (n=400) were asked to respond to a 21-item online survey. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square goodness-of-fit tests, and a paired-samples t-test. Common themes were identified and categorized from open-ended questions.

Results: A response rate of 84% (n=334) was obtained. Most respondents (97%) reported no involvement with disaster preparedness and response; however, a majority (86%) reported interest. Of those who indicated an interest in disaster preparedness and response, …

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 …

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 …

Comparison Of Corded And Cordless Handpieces On Forearm Muscle Activity, Procedure Time And Ease Of Use During Simulated Tooth Polishing, Gayle Mccombs, Daniel M. Russell

Dental Hygiene Faculty Publications

Purpose: Dental professionals suffer from a high prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). Dental hygienists in particular have a high prevalence of pain in the forearms and hands. The objective of this study was to compare 1 cordless handpiece to 2 corded handpieces during simulated tooth polishing in terms of the muscle loads (recorded as electromyography (EMG) activity), duration of polishing procedure, and dental hygienist opinion about ease of use. Methods: EMG was used to quantify muscle electrical activity of 4 forearm muscles during simulated dental polishing with 2 corded handpieces (HP-A and HP-B) and 1 cordless handpiece (HP-C). A …

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 …

The Advanced Dental Hygiene Practitioner At The Master's-Degree Level: Is It Necessary?, Michele Leonardi Darby

Dental Hygiene Faculty Publications

The article reflects on the Advanced Dental Hygiene Practitioner (ADHP) curriculum proposed by the American Dental Hygienists' Association at the master's degree level. It is stated that dental hygienists and ADHPs can collaborate with other health care professionals for contributing towards the advancement of quality health care to the most vulnerable populations. It is mentioned that preparation at the master's degree is a logical pathway to the expanded scope of practice.

Muscle Activity Comparisons In Dental Hygiene Students When Using Different Fulcrums While Scaling, Susan L. Tolle, Mary Elizabeth Cosaboom, Michele L. Darby, Martha L. Walker

Dental Hygiene Faculty Publications

The high incidence rate of cumulative trauma disorders in dental hygienists attests to the musculoskeletal problems experienced by dental hygienists. Research is ongoing to investigate ergonomic practices that will minimize muscle trauma when providing scaling and root debridement. The purpose of this study was to determine differences in the activity of four forearm muscles, (extensor carpi radialis longus, flexor carpi ulnaris, biceps brachii and pronator teres) when using five different finger fulcrums while scaling in dental hygiene students. A convenience sample of 29 consenting senior dental hygiene students participated in the study. Using a 4 x 5 counterbalanced research design, …

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 …

Dental Hygienists' Contributions To Improving The Nation's Oral Health Through School-Based Initiatives From 1970 Through 1999: A Historical Review, Gayle B. Mccombs, Cynthia C. Gadbury-Amyot, Rebecca S. Wilder, Karen O. Skaff, Margaret Lappan Green

Dental Hygiene Faculty Publications

PURPOSE: The purpose of this literature review is to document the contributions dental hygienists have made over the past 3 decades to improve the nation's oral health. This historical review encompasses selected literature that acknowledged dental Hygienists' direct involvement in U.S. school-based or school-linked oral health programs from 1970-1999.

METHODS: Five researchers independently searched MEDLINE, PubMed, and other electronic databases to identify relevant literature for the years 1970-1999. The search aimed to locate articles authored by or that documented dental Hygienists' involvement as "service provider" in U.S. school-based oral health programs. For the purpose of this review, service provider was …

The Effects Of Universal And Rotating Ultrasonic Inserts On Wrist Movement, Scaling Time Efficiency, And Cumulative Trauma Risk In Dental Hygienists, Christine Colavita Hawn

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if differences existed in range of wrist movements and scaling time efficiency in dental hygienists that use a rotating ultrasonic insert as compared to those who use a standard universal insert. A convenience sample of 30 consenting experienced dental hygienists from the Norfolk area who met inclusion criteria was invited to be subjects. Using a crossover research design, each experimental subject used the rotating ultrasonic scaling insert to remove 2 cc artificial calculus from a typodont in a controlled, simulated clinical situation for up to 15 minutes. While scaling, each subject wore …

Predictors Of Oral Health Behaviors: Examining The Effect Of Patient Perceived Humanistic Attitude In The Context Of The Health Belief Model, Linda Leigh Hawkins Carroll

Health Services Research Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to test the explanatory power of The Health Belief Model with the added environmental condition of perceived humanistic attitude of a dental hygienist in its ability to predict individual's performance of oral disease prevention behaviors. A cross section survey of an intact group of 1,943 full time employees of Old Dominion University was conducted. The response rate was 52% (n = 1001). An exclusionary rule eliminated respondents who did not have a dental hygienist provide preventive services during dental visits. Seven hundred and fifty four were included in the study analyses. The study participants …

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.

Cultural Adaptability Of Students Attending Culturally Diverse And Non-Culturally Diverse Dental Hygiene Programs, Katrina White Magee

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this descriptive investigation was to determine the cultural adaptability of students attending culturally diverse and nonculturally diverse dental hygiene programs throughout the U.S. The dental hygiene schools were identified according to their ethnic diversity as reported by the ADA Commission on Dental Accreditation in the 1996-1997 Survey of Dental Hygiene Education Programs. Once the programs were identified, a random sample was taken from the diverse and non-diverse dental hygiene programs. A 50-item inventory, the Cross-Cultural Adaptability Inventory (CCAI), was mailed to the participating dental hygiene programs. One-hundred eighty-eight students represented U.S. dental hygiene programs in the …

Course Selection Factors Deemed Important By Dental Hygienists Prior To And After The Initiation Of Mandatory Continuing Education In The Commonwealth Of Virginia, Melissa Lynn Sainsbury

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this investigation was to assess the factors deemed important by dental hygienists in their selection of continuing education courses prior to and after the initiation of mandatory continuing education in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Under mandatory continuing education, dental hygiene educators must be able to plan continuing education courses that meet the needs of potential participants.

Results indicate that relative to each other, the 15 factors within this study, ranked in a hierarchy of importance in continuing education course selection by dental hygienists. Mandatory requirement for relicensure and course time ranked higher and course presenter and cost …

Comparison Of Curriculum Content On Behavioral Strategies For Managing Anxious Clients In Associate And Baccalaureate Degree Dental Hygiene Programs In The United States, Darnyl Marie King

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

Dental anxiety, a pervasive problem in the general population, is an important client management concern for dental hygienists. This study sought to determine the type and amount of instruction in United States dental hygiene programs in terms of behavioral strategies for the management of anxious clients, the difference in instruction between associate and baccalaureate degree dental hygiene programs, and the opinions of dental hygiene educators regarding these strategies. A self-designed, 19-item questionnaire entitled the King Behavioral Management Questionnaire was used to obtain data on a sample of 210 accredited dental hygiene programs. Part one of the questionnaire consisted of questions …

The Cultural Adaptability Of Dental Hygiene, Medical Laboratory Sciences, Nursing And Physical Therapy Faculty, Irene Mary Connolly

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the cultural adaptability of full time faculty in the College of Health Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia. The sample consisted of 40 health science faculty representing dental hygiene, medical laboratory sciences, nursing and physical therapy. The principal investigator personally administered the Cross-Cultural Adaptability Inventory (CCAI), a 50 item instrument, which contains questions to measure the construct cultural adaptability and its four dimensions: emotional resilience, flexibility/openness, perceptual acuity and personal autonomy. The CCAI is not targeted to one particular culture, but rather is designed to be culture general.

Analysis of …

The Relationship Between Levels Of Dentist Supervision And The Ability Of Dental Hygienists In Nontraditional Settings To Provide Care, Julie Ann Dunphy

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

The purposes of this study were to determine if a relationship exists between levels of dentist supervision and the ability of dental hygienists in nontraditional settings to provide care, and to ascertain differences in the ability of dental hygienists practicing in legal jurisdictions with direct, indirect, general, and no dentist supervision. The Dental Hygiene supervision in Nontraditional settings Questionnaire (DHSNSQ) was sent to a purposive sample consisting of dental hygienists employed in nontraditional settings within one of the four levels of dentist supervision. The levels of dentist supervision were based on criteria, education, and competence, stipulated by each of the …