Dental Hygiene Commons^™

Infection Prevention In Dentistry: Reaching Our “New Normal”, Karen K. Daw Mba, Cecm, Marie T. Fluent Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article addresses the evolving landscape of infection prevention in dentistry amid the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the dynamic nature of guidance and standards. It explores historical perspectives, including the transition from "wet finger dentistry" to universal precautions and standard precautions. The focus then shifts to the regulatory considerations and the relevance of transmission-based precautions in the context of COVID-19. The Hierarchy of Controls is discussed, encompassing elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative control, and personal protective equipment. Respiratory hygiene, personal protective equipment, and infection prevention practices are compared between the pre-COVID era and the current landscape, emphasizing the importance of adapting …

Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste On Caries Prevention In Children, Samantha Richardson, Kelly Vaughan

Dental Hygiene Student Scholarship

Are Hydroxyapatite Toothpastes The Answer To Fluoride Free Patients?

Richardson, Samantha 1 and Vaughan, Kelly 2

Dental Hygiene Program, Virginia Commonwealth University

Abstract:

Objectives/Aims: With the rising trend to become more clean with our ingredient lists, we are facing more patients refusing fluoride treatments and fluoridated toothpastes. This trend has been prevalent in our younger generations due to parents only wanting the purest natural ingredients for their children and now declining fluoride application. The goal of this literature is to find a safe alternative toothpaste that will be just as effective as fluoride.

Methods: This review of literature has been …

The Impact Of Oral Health On Low-Income Pregnant Women Living In The United States, Olivia Ward, Jill Jacobs Diss

College of Health Sciences Posters

Introduction: Oral health has a significant impact on pregnancy outcomes. Inter-professional collaboration can assist in bridging the gap between oral and systemic health and assist in optimizing the health of low-income pregnant women, infants, and children.

Methods: A literature review was used to ascertain the impact of oral health on adverse pregnancy outcomes. Research sources used in this literature review were gathered from the U.S. National Library of Medicine at the National Institutes of Health, PubMed, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Elsevier, Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS), the Office of the Surgeon General, and Google Scholars. …

Trends In Dental Workforce In Virginia, Reem Hashmi, Shillpa Naavaal Bds, Ms, Mph

IRBEH/Spit for Science Publications and Presentations

No abstract provided.

Clinical Effectiveness Of High Definition Fluorescence Camera In Detection Of Initial Occlusal Caries, Mohamed Salama, Olfat Hassanein, Omar Shaalan, Asmaa Yassen

Dentistry

Background: Although visual inspection is the preferred route in everyday clinical practise for detecting early caries lesions, novel technologies like light fluorescence-based devices (Vista Proof iX HD smart) have been developed to enhance early caries detection. Material and Methods: Occlusal surface of 45 molar and 49 premolar teeth from 34 adult participants who fulfilled the eligibility criteria were examined by two observers using three diagnostic methods. Examination was performed visually using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS-II) followed by Vista Proof. Fissurotomy was applied for histological validation. Intra- and inter-observer agreement were measured for ICDAS-II and light-induced fluorescence …

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, …

Attitudes Of Virginia Dental Hygienists Towards Dental Therapists, Helene M. Burns, Susan L. Tolle, Emily A. Ludwig, Jessica R. Suedbeck

Dental Hygiene Faculty Publications

Purpose: The state of Virginia faces a reported dental health professional shortage affecting approximately half of its residents.The purpose of this study was to assess the opinions and attitudes of dental hygienists in Virginia toward a mid-level dental provider model, dental therapists (DTs), and to determine whether current education level and years of practice affected opinions regarding the education requirements for DTs.

Methods: A 22-item questionnaire was distributed online to a convenience sample of Virginia dental hygienists (n=910). Items assessed attitudes of participants toward the DT using a seven-point Likert-type scale ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 7 (strongly agree). …

Use Of A Simulated-Virtual Training Module To Improve Dental Hygiene Students' Self-Reported Knowledge, Attitudes, And Confidence In Providing Care To Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Pilot Study, Kimberly F. Cenzon, Ann M. Bruhn, Denise M. Claiborne, Jonna L. Bobzien

Dental Hygiene Faculty Publications

Purpose: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder affecting an individual's ability to communicate, interact, behave, and learn. The purpose of this study was to determine knowledge, attitudes, and confidence of dental hygiene students in providing care to children with ASD as a mechanism for evaluating dental hygiene curricula for patients with special needs.

Methods: A simulated-virtual training (SVT) intervention was developed as an interactive approach for educating dental hygiene students on providing care to a child patient with ASD. The SVT intervention consisted of a scenario in which the clinician "interacted" with a child with ASD who was …

Stress And Anxiety Experience Of Dental Hygiene Students, Kristen Ford

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The ETSU dental hygiene program is very competitive and rigorous for those admitted. Student dental hygienists may experience higher levels of anxiety and more stressors while completing their course work and clinical hours than they have previously experienced in general education and prerequisite courses. These increased number of stressors and higher levels of anxiety may have negative impacts on students’ academic performance and success in clinical learning environments. A better understanding of the actual need for a stress reduction and anxiety management curriculum will facilitate creating and implementing this type of curriculum. A total of 44 current ETSU dental hygiene …

Association Between Anthropometric Measurements And Dental Caries Among Children In Asia: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Rokiah Mamikutty

Student Works (2020-2029)

Overweight and dental caries among children is increasing in Asia. The association between anthropometric measurements and dental caries is inconclusive and not representing the Asian context. Aim: To assess the association between anthropometric measurements and caries among children in Asia by regions, sugar consumption per-capita, and SES of the countries. Methods: The review was registered with PROSPERO and conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Twenty-six databases were employed for searching the eligible studies from inception until Jun 2019. Two reviewers independently screen, select studies, perform data extraction, and risk bias assessment, with discrepancies resolved by discussion and reference to the third reviewers. …

Tobacco Cessation Counseling Practices Amongst Dental Hygienists In Central Texas, Lacy Murray

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Although tobacco cessation is an uphill battle for almost everyone who attempts to quit, it is important that dental hygienists do not assume that patients are not interested. Dental hygienists are in an ideal position to offer cessation help to their tobacco using patients. The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of the tobacco cessation practices among central Texas dental hygienists. Specifically, dental hygienists were asked about beliefs, motivation, and confidence with regard to their tobacco cessation practice. A positive significant, moderate, relationship was found between beliefs and confidence (r=0.647), beliefs and practices ( …

Assessing Participant Feedback To Dental Screenings Provided By Dental Hygiene Students And Follow-Up Dental Hygiene Care In New York City, Susan H. Davide, Margarita Rivera

Publications and Research

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to validate the association between dental screenings and follow-up care to support the level of awareness of dental hygiene services available in the community by increasing access to care and determine patients’ knowledge of dental insurance status. Methods: A first-time dental screening was conducted, and complimentary care was provided for those who followed through with dental hygiene care at the clinic. Survey questionnaires were administered to participants following screening and clinic care. Results: Ten participants of the 50 screened received care at the clinic. Less than half of those screened (41 %) had …

Oral Manifestations Of Tuberculosis, Diana V. Macri, Sandra Castellanos, Elvir Dincer

Publications and Research

This article will update the reader on tuberculosis and its oral manifestations.

After decades of decreasing incidence, tuberculosis resurgence is being seen in some global regions due to factors that include the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic, increased immigration from countries with endemic tuberculosis, transmission of tuberculosis in crowded or unsanitary environments, and poor healthcare infrastructure. Additionally, this review is especially prescient considering the increasing prevalence of drug-resistant tuberculosis.

An Update On Cardiovascular Disease, Susan H. Davide, Audra E. Haynes

Publications and Research

In the United States, cardiovascular is the leading cause of death in men and women, and most racial and ethnic groups. There are several types of heart conditions; the most common type is coronary heart disease, also known as coronary artery disease or ischemic heart disease, which can cause acute myocardial infarction. Other heart conditions which can lead to heart failure include a past history of myocardial infarction, abnormal heart valves, heart muscle disease, or congenital heart muscle disease. In adults ages 65 and younger, approximately 2 in 10 deaths are caused from coronary artery disease and about 18.2 million …

Oral Manifestations Of Covid-19, Ibeth Erazo

Publications and Research

Some oral manifestations have been observed in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, there is still a question about whether these lesions are due to coronavirus infection or secondary manifestations resulting from patient's stress, medications, and/or other related immunosuppressive factors and systemic conditions or by the actions of opportunistic infections brought by other viruses, bacteria, and fungi in the oral cavity. There is growing evidence that angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), the main host cell receptor of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is highly expressed on the cells of the oral mucosal epithelia and of the salivary glands, …

Community Health Nursing In Ghana: Dental Hygiene, Alexis Llewellyn

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

Dental hygiene is an important contributor to our overall health. Poor dental hygiene practices can lead to plaque buildup, cavities formation, tooth decay, and infection. Infection that began as a result of poor oral hygiene can spread to other parts of the body and cause more serious conditions to develop. Dental health is not a priority among Ghanaian residents and there is a need for updated, evidence based research about this topic. This literature review focuses on community health nursing in Ghana, Africa regarding dental hygiene of the pediatric population in this country. The primary focus is to compare the …

Oral Health Is Important, But How Important?, Alexander G. Dengel

Population Health Research Brief Series

Dental care is often overlooked as a priority and sometimes considered more of a chore rather than an important aspect of personal health. This oversight can lead to poor health outcomes like gingivitis, periodontitis, and even chronic illness like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. This issue brief describes the short- and long-term effects of a poor dental health routine and the simple steps necessary to maintain a healthy smile.

The Effects Of Covid-19-Related Stressors On Bruxism And Temporomandibular Disorders, Hagir A. Saleh, Samantha Smith

Dental Hygiene Student Scholarship

Problem: COVID-19 has proven to be a major public health emergency, with an array of physical and emotional complications. While COVID-19 has its own effects on the human body, anxiety induced by the pandemic has shown to take a toll on the human oral cavity by means of causing individuals to grind and clench their teeth due to anxiety/stress, potentially leading to temporomandibular disorders and orofacial pain.

Methods: A thorough review of literature was conducted by consulting credible studies published on online databases such as PubMed, Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source, Google Scholar, and Academic Search Complete. The studies examined …

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 …

Process And Impact Evaluations Preschool Oral Healthcare Programme (Pohp) In Selangor, Muhammad Farid Nurdin

Student Works (2020-2029)

Preschools provide an efficient setting to promote the oral health of young children as children attend preschools on daily basis, the structures and system at preschools are established, and vital facilities for conducive oral health environment such as clean water supply and sanitation are already in place. Because of these promising potentials, the Ministry of Health (MOH), Malaysia has introduced the Preschool Oral Healthcare Programme (POHP) in 1984. This programme aims to improve the oral health status of children aged 5 to 6 years who attend preschools. To date, there has been no evaluation conducted on the POHP in terms …

Establishing The Minimally Important Clinical Difference For The Oral Health Impact Profile In Malaysians Provided With Removable Partial Dentures, Siti Fauzza Ahmad

Student Works (2020-2029)

Future demand for a removable partial denture (RPD) remains as more adults retain their natural teeth into old age. Partial tooth loss often leads to masticatory function disturbances and negatively affects the quality of life (QoL). Prosthodontic rehabilitation with RPD improves QoL; however, the statistically significant change with many Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQOL) instruments, may not be clinically meaningful. The Malaysian version of Oral Health Impact Profile, OHIP(M)-45 questionnaires has been validated and adapted; however, its clinical interpretability has not been established. The smallest change in OHRQoL score perceived by a patient as beneficial, following an intervention, is …

Prevalence Of Dental Caries, Oral-Health Related Quality Of Life, And Oral Health Inequalities Among Libyan Pre-School Children In Benghazi, Lamis Abdelrahim Fathulla Ballo

Student Works (2020-2029)

Background: Dental caries persists as a public health problem that significantly affects individuals and societies. Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) is significantly identified as a serious worldwide public health concern. Oral health inequalities exist in most countries, and these disparities in health vary between and within countries. Aim: This study aimed to investigate dental caries prevalence and experience, oral health related quality of life and oral health inequalities and the associated factors among six-year-old children in Benghazi, Libya. Methods: This study was a secondary data analysis of Benghazi Children Dental Health Survey conducted in the year 2017. The survey …

Understanding And Assessing Dental Anxiety And Fear In Malaysia, Rashidah Esa

Student Works (2020-2029)

Dental anxiety refers to a vague, unpleasant feeling that something undesirable awaits whereas dental fear is a normal response to a threat or danger. Anticipation of a dental visit can induce dental anxiety whereas the most fear-provoking situations were the sight of injection needles and the drilling procedures. Nevertheless, the terms are often used interchangeably. Dental anxiety and fear (DAF) are perpetual problems worldwide and their assessment is important to assist dentists in the management of highly anxious patients. In Malaysia, more studies are needed to add to the growing body of DAF research. The aim of this thesis was …

Occupational Health Practices Among Dental Care Professionals Before And During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Sean Banaee, Denise M. Claiborne, Muge Akpinar-Elci

Community & Environmental Health Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has posed a substantial burden on dental care professionals. While dentistry is known as one of the most exposed and high-risk professions, dental care professionals are indeed at even greater risk.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess knowledge, attitudes, occupational health practices, personal protective equipment usage, and mental stressors during COVID-19 pandemic among dental care professionals.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among dental care professionals who were subscribers to a dental hygiene journal using a self-administered online survey (n = 1047 respondents). Cross-tabulations were performed to determine differences in the responses to …

The Prevalence Of Burnout Among Entry-Level Dental Hygiene Program Directors, Jessica Suedbeck, Emily A. Ludwig, Susan Lynn Tolle

Dental Hygiene Faculty Publications

Purpose: Workplace burnout in academia is a problem that affects career satisfaction and longevity. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of burnout among entry-level dental hygiene program directors.

Methods: The Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI) survey was used to determine prevalence of burnout in 325 dental hygiene program directors from across the United States. The survey was disseminated electronically. The CBI contains 19 questions that measure overall, personal, work-related, and client/student-related burnout on a five-point Likert type scale. The survey also included nine demographic and three open-ended questions related to burnout. Descriptive statistics, one sample t-tests, and …

Interprofessional Education: Medical And Dental Hygiene Student Competencies During The Delivery Of Patient Care, Brenda T. Bradshaw, Amber Walters Hunt, Sharon C. Stull

Dental Hygiene Faculty Publications

Purpose: Interprofessional education (IPE) helps prepare health care students for collaborative delivery of patient care. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate changes in self-perceived collaborative competencies of dental hygiene and medical students after a live patient care IPE experience.

Methods: Dental hygiene (n=23) and medical students (n=26) were paired for a single-encounter IPE experience with adult patients. Following the collaboration, participants completed the 20-item, seven-point Likert scale retrospective pre-test/post-test Interprofessional Collaborative Competencies Attainment Survey (ICCAS) to assess changes in perceived collaborative competencies as a result of the IPE experience. Participants reflected on current and prior self-perceived interprofessional …

Oral Health Education And Promotion Activities By Early Head Start Programs In The United States: A Systematic Review, Ahlam I. Joufi, Denise M. Claiborne, Deanne Shuman

Dental Hygiene Faculty Publications

Purpose: Dental caries is a non-communicable, preventable disease that disproportionately affects low-income children in the United States (US). The purpose of this systematic review was to describe oral health education and promotion activities designed to prevent early childhood caries (ECC) provided by Early Head Start (EHS) programs in the United States.

Methods: Five databases were searched including CINAHL, Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source through EBSCO, PubMed, Google Scholar, and the Wiley Online Library, to identify peer-reviewed quantitative studies published in English on oral health education and promotion activities within EHS programs from 2000 to 2019. Studies were assessed for eligibility …

Attitudes Of Virginia Dentists Toward Dental Therapists: A Pilot Study, Adaira L. Howell, Susan Lynn Tolle, Emily A. Ludwig, Denise M. Claiborne

Dental Hygiene Faculty Publications

Purpose: The purpose of this pilot study was to determine perceptions of Virginia (VA) dentists toward mid-level dental providers, specifically dental therapists (DT), and determine whether membership in the American Dental Association (ADA) membership affected attitudes.

Methods: A convenience sample of 1208 dentists in the state of VA were invited to participate in an electronic survey. The instrument consisted of 11 Likert type scale questions assessing attitudes toward DTs. Additional items included the appropriate level of education and supervision of a DT, and five demographic questions. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. A one-sample t-test was used to …

Active Shooter Preparedness Among Dental Hygiene Students, Brenda T. Bradshaw, Jessica R. Suedbeck, Tara L. Newcomb, Ann M. Bruhn

Dental Hygiene Faculty Publications

Purpose: Active shooter incidents (ASIs) occurring in dental hygiene academic settings present unique challenges and research examining institutional preparation of dental hygiene students for such incidents is lacking. The purpose of this pilot project was to examine the perceived preparedness, confidence, and awareness of dental hygiene students regarding ASIs.

Methods: A validated 24-item electronic survey was distributed to dental hygiene students (n=68) at one institution to measure their preparedness, confidence, and awareness regarding ASIs. Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlations were used for data analysis.

Results: Fifty-seven dental hygiene students completed the survey for a response rate of 84%. Many participants …

Caregivers' Comprehension Of The Terms Decay And Cavities: A Qualitative Analysis, Denise M. Claiborne, Deanne Shuman, Melissa Sullivan, Julia Richman

Dental Hygiene Faculty Publications

Purpose: Tooth decay and cavities are the most common oral health consequences for young children that may result from inadequate oral health literacy (OHL) or understanding of their caregivers. The purpose of this study was to describe the understanding of terms related to decay and cavities among caregivers of preschool-aged children.

Methods: English-speaking caregivers with children aged(OH-LIP). Responses were recorded, transcribed, coded, and assigned to domains and categories.

Results: Responses from 111 participants were included in the analysis. About one fifth of the participants (19.8%, n=22) indicated that they did not know what decay was or provided an incorrect response. …