Leadership Education Within the Dental Hygiene Curriculum at an Academic Medical Center

Abstract

Purpose The scope of practice for dental hygienists continues to expand into diverse roles in clinical practice, education, administration, corporate environments, and public health, underscoring the need for robust leadership training. The purpose of this study was to explore perceptions of leadership education among dental hygienists in administrative roles; describe the leadership skills identified by dentists; and examine the views of dental hygiene faculty on leadership education and skills within the dental hygiene curriculum.

Methods Qualitative research methodology was used with semi-structured interviews conducted on an online platform. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used to recruit participants across the three stakeholder groups: dental hygienists in administrative roles, dentists, and dental hygiene faculty from baccalaureate programs. Recruitment in each phase continued until thematic saturation was reached. Open, axial and selective coding were used to analyze the data.

Results Four main themes emerged: Building Bridges, Collective Growth, Embracing Responsibilities, and Overcoming Obstacles, through the interview sessions with dental hygienists in administrative roles (n=11), dentists in private practice (n=6), and dental hygiene faculty members (n=19).

Conclusion This research underscores the strategic value of integrating leadership education into dental hygiene curricula, laying a strong foundation for students’ future roles as leaders in health care. Recommendations include thoroughly reevaluating current curricula, adopting a strategic approach to embed leadership education, and creating a leadership training framework for dental hygiene education programs.