Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Interventions For The Reduction Of Dental Anxiety And Corresponding Behavioral Deficits In Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Jessica L. Elmore, Ann M. Bruhn, Jonna L. Bobzien

Dental Hygiene Faculty Publications

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can greatly inhibit a child's communication and social interaction skills, impacting their comfort during dental hygiene treatment and services. Children with ASD may exhibit sensory sensitivities, fear of the unfamiliar and lack of socio-cognitive understanding, leading to anxiety and corresponding behavioral deficits. Since the prevalence rates for ASD have risen significantly in the past decade, increased emphasis has been placed on educational and behavior guidance techniques, which can be helpful for children with ASD because of their increased capabilities in visual-processing. The purpose of this literature review is to summarize the interventions available to reduce dental …

Assessment Of Mass Fatality Preparedness And Response Content In Dental Hygiene Education, Ann M. Bruhn, Tara L. Newcomb, Manasi Sheth-Chandra

Dental Hygiene Faculty Publications

When mass fatality incidents (MFIs) occur, they can quickly overwhelm local, state, and government agencies, resources, and personnel. It is important to have a rapid and effective response with skilled, multidisciplinary victim identification teams since specific skill sets are necessary to participate in mass fatality preparedness and response. The aims of this study were to determine the extent of formal education related to mass fatality preparedness and response training in U.S. dental hygiene programs and to assess program directors' perceptions of the need for such training. A 23-item cross-sectional survey was emailed to 319 U.S. dental hygiene programs in 2015. …

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, …