Perceptions of Incivility Among Dental Hygiene Students and Faculty/Administrators

Abstract

Purpose While incivility has been part of higher education for many years, there has been a documented increase as both students and educators have begun to recognize this behavior and its effects on student learning, faculty satisfaction and stress. The purpose of this descriptive study was to investigate the perceptions of incivility among dental hygiene students and faculty/administrators.

Methods This study utilized a convenience sample of five dental hygiene programs in California. The Incivility in Higher Education-Revised survey (IHE-R) was adapted to obtain data regarding perceptions of incivility among dental hygiene students and faculty/administrators. The survey required participants to describe incivil encounters and the perceived reasons for and consequences of the incivil behavior. An online survey was used for faculty and a paper survey was administered for dental hygiene students. Data from the open-ended questions were reviewed, summarized, edited for redundancy, and analyzed using categories.

Results Of the 196 participants, 81.63% were dental hygiene students (n = 160) and 18.37% were dental hygiene faculty and administrators (n = 36). Data analysis of participant responses related to the primary reason for incivil behavior in dental hygiene education revealed five categories including lack of consequences, personality traits, miscommunication, stress, and lack of professionalism. Upon data analysis of participant responses related to the most significant consequence of incivil behavior in dental hygiene education, five categories emerged including hostile environment, decreased student success, emotional distress, relationship damage, and professional damage.

Conclusion Both faculty and students felt there was a lack of consequences for incivil behavior and did not feel adequately equipped to manage these situations when they arose. Dental hygiene institutions and professional organizations need to consider offering advanced training in creating a culture of civility to prevent and address incivil behaviors.