California Dental Hygienists' Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Regarding Herbal and Dietary Supplements

Michelle Hurlbutt; Kimberly Bray; Tanya Villalpando Mitchell; Joni Stephens

Abstract

Purpose: As more Americans use dietary supplements, the potential for increased adverse effects increases. The purpose of this study was to identify the current knowledge, attitudes and practice behaviors among California dental hygienists regarding herbal and dietary supplements (HDS).

Methods: A stratified random sample of 1,203 registered California hygienists were surveyed. The survey included items about personal characteristics as well as questions regarding knowledge, attitudes and beliefs and practice behavior about HDS. Three primary outcomes were analyzed: dental hygienists' knowledge about HDS, attitudes (confidence) about HDS and behavior practices (communication) regarding HDS. Confirmatory factor analysis was performed. Personal characteristics were assessed in stepwise multiple linear regression analysis for impact on knowledge scores.

Results: The response rate was 21% (n=249). Dental hygienists have low levels of knowledge and confidence about HDS, as well as poor communication practices related to HDS. California dental hygienists scored a low mean of 38% on their knowledge of HDS. On the confidence scale (standardized range of 0 to 10 possible), hygienists scored 3.67±2.03. On the communication practices subscales (standardized range of 0 to 10 possible), hygienists scored 4.21±2.99 on general communication practices and 1.25±1.66 on specific communication practices. Dental hygienists who were members of the California Dental Hygienists' Association and attended a continuing education course on HDS within the last year or who personally used HDS scored significantly higher in knowledge, confidence and communication practices than their counterparts. These 3 attributes were identified as significant predicators for higher knowledge about HDS.

Conclusion: There is a need to improve California dental hygienists' knowledge and involvement in the active management of patients who take HDS. Such actions can be expected to improve oral health outcomes. Focused training on HDS for hygienists should be designed to improve their knowledge and influence practice behaviors.

Footnotes

Michelle Hurlbutt, RDH, MSDH, currently serves as an assistant professor and Director of the Online BSDH Degree Completion Program in the Department of Dental Hygiene at the Loma Linda University School of Dentistry. Kimberly Krust Bray, RDH, MS, is a professor and the Director of the Division of Dental Hygiene at the University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Dentistry. Tanya Villalpando Mitchell, RDH, MS, is an associate professor and the Director of Graduate Studies at the University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Dentistry, Division of Dental Hygiene. Joni Stephens, RDH, EdS, is a professor in the Department of Dental Hygiene at the Loma Linda University School of Dentistry.
This study supports the NDHRA priority area, Clinical Dental Hygiene Care: Investigate how dental hygienists use emerging science to reduce risk in susceptible patients (risk reduction strategies).