Dentistry Commons^™

Effects Of Occupational Ultrasonic Noise Exposure On Hearing Of Dental Hygienists: A Pilot Study, Jennifer Dunning Wilson, Michele Leonardi Darby, Susan L. Tolle, Joseph C. Sever Jr.

Dental Hygiene Faculty Publications

Purpose. The purpose of this case-control study was to determine whether long-term ultrasonic noise exposure via the dental office environment is related to dental hygienists' hearing status.

Methods. Registered dental hygienists (N - 698) who live in the Hampon Roads areas of Virginia were mailed a Dental Hygiene Word History Questionnaire to determine who would meet the inclusion criteria and would be willing to participate in the study. Consenting subjects were categorized into one of two groups, according to ultrasonic sealer usage rate, and matched on age. Persons with known hearing loss due to infection, disease, or congenital defect were …

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 …

Eating Disorders In The Oral Health Curriculum, Rita D. Debate, Deanne Shuman, Lisa A. Tedesco

Dental Hygiene Faculty Publications

Due to the oral/systemic nature of eating disorders, this serious health issue requires comprehensive patient assessment and coordinated health treatment. The purpose of this study was to assess the breadth and depth of eating disorder and comprehensive care within the dental and dental hygiene curriculum. Survey data were collected from deans of U.S. dental programs (n=24) and dental hygiene program directors (n=94). Statistically significant differences were observed between dental programs (DP) and dental hygiene programs (DHP) as more DHP reported including anorexia nervosa (p<.001), bulimia nervosa (p<.001), and oral manifestations of eating disorders (p=.003) within their curricula. Clock hours dedicated to these topics ranged from seventeen to thirty-five minutes, with no statistically significant differences observed between DP and DHP. Only 58 percent of DP and 56 percent of DHP included patient communication skills specific to eating disorders. Moreover, DHP were observed dedicating more instruction time for this skill (p=.011). As greater emphasis is placed on oral/systemic health and the provision of comprehensive care, many oral health professionals may not be adequately trained to identify, provide education, and communicate with patients regarding the oral/systemic nature of eating disorders. The findings from this study indicate that there is a need for appropriate training to better prepare oral health professionals for comprehensive patient care.