ADHA's Focus on Advancing the Profession: Minnesota's Dental Hygiene Response

Abstract

The number of dental hygiene schools offering a bachelor degree is decreasing, while the number of schools offering an associate degree is increasing. Of the 10 dental hygiene schools in Minnesota, 2 offer baccalaureate degrees and 8 offer associate degrees. The objectives were: 1) to assess current associate degree dental hygiene students' interest in baccalaureate degree completion and 2) to determine if current interest in curriculum topics supports the ADHA's Focus on Advancing the Profession. A fifty-five-item survey and cover letter were provided to 304 first and second year dental hygiene students enrolled in associate degree programs in Minnesota during Fall 2004, with 204 participating (67% response rate). Survey results were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods.

Results revealed that 66.0% of dental hygiene students were interested in completing their baccalaureate degree. Of those interested, 70.4% would consider, or were strongly interested in, complete online class format, with 5.2% of no opinion and 24.4% uninterested. Only 45.9% indicated interest in classes on campus during traditional day time hours, with 8.9% of no opinion and 45.2% uninterested. Interest levels in 5 of the ADHA focus areas for advancing the profession (research, education, practice & technology, licensure & regulation, and public health) were solicited through 29 items. About 85% of participants ranked advanced practice skills and technology with moderate or high interest, while 30.3% were moderately or highly interested in research.

Existing baccalaureate dental hygiene programs need to support ADHA's Focus Area of Education through leadership in developing models of degree completion to advance the discipline of dental hygiene. Results of this survey demonstrate positive interest in completing the baccalaureate degree, supporting an online format. Incorporating research skills within dental hygiene education is essential to develop one of ADHA's 6 focus areas to increase both confidence and interest levels.