Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the perceived level of preparedness Maine Independent Practice Dental Hygienists (IPDHs) received from their standard undergraduate dental hygiene education, and recognize areas necessary for further preparation in order to explore careers beyond the private practice dental model.
Methods: A convenience sample of 6 IPDHs participated in a survey exploring their educational experience in public health and alternative practice settings. The survey also asked for their recommendations to advance dental hygiene education to meet the needs of those wishing to pursue alternative practice careers.
Results: This study found that participants felt underprepared by their dental hygiene education with deficits in exposure to public health, business skills necessary for independent practice, communication training and understanding of situations which require referral for treatment beyond the IPDH scope of practice.
Conclusion: As the dental hygiene profession evolves, dental hygiene education must as well. The IPDH participants' recommendations for dental hygiene programs include increased exposure to alternative settings and underserved populations as well as elective courses for those students interested in alternative practice and business ownership.
Footnotes
-
Courtney E. Vannah, MS, IPDH, is a Visiting Assistant Professor at the University of New England Portland, Maine and graduate of the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio. Martha J. McComas, RDH, MS, is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, Division of Dental Hygiene, University of Michigan. Melanie V. Taverna MS, RDH, is an Assistant Professor/Clinical Faculty, Department of Periodontics, Division of Dental Hygiene, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio. Beatriz M. Hicks, MA, RDH, is a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio. Rebecca A. Wright MS, RDH is an Assistant Professor at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio.
-
This study supports the NDHRA priority area, Professional Education and Development: Evaluate the extent to which current dental hygiene curricula prepare dental hygienists to meet the increasingly complex oral health needs of the public.
- Copyright © 2014 The American Dental Hygienists’ Association