PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Clovis, Joanne B.
AU  - Horowitz, Alice M.
AU  - Kleinman, Dushanka V.
AU  - Wang, Min Qi
AU  - Massey, Meredith
TI  - Maryland Dental Hygienists' Knowledge, Opinions and Practices Regarding Dental Caries Prevention and Early Detection
DP  - 2012 Sep 01
TA  - American Dental Hygienists Association
PG  - 292--305
VI  - 86
IP  - 4
4099  - http://jdh.adha.org/content/86/4/292.short
4100  - http://jdh.adha.org/content/86/4/292.full
SO  - J Dent Hyg2012 Sep 01; 86
AB  - Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess Maryland dental hygienists' knowledge, practices and opinions regarding dental caries prevention and early detection. Methods: A 30 item survey was mailed to 1,258 Maryland dental hygienists. Two follow-up mailings and email reminders were sent. Results: The response rate was 43% (n=540). Nearly all respondents were female (98%), and 58% practiced in solo settings. Knowledge and certainty of knowledge were moderate: sealants are needed regardless of topical fluoride use (55% certain, 40% less certain), newly erupted permanent molars are the best candidates for sealants (54%, 36%) and professionally applied fluorides are desirable in areas without fluoridated water (55%, 36%). Fewer were certain that incipient lesions can be remineralized before cavitation (23%, 69%), and dilute, frequently administered fluorides are more effective in caries prevention than concentrated, less frequently administered fluorides (6%, 24%). Opinions regarding effectiveness of protocols for 2 age groups from 6 months to 6 years, the challenges of early childhood caries (ECC), prevention practices regarding sealant and topical fluoride applications varied widely. Eighty-nine percent reported routinely assessing dental caries risk factors of child patients and 90% were interested in continuing education courses. There were no significant differences between different types of practice settings, year of graduation, race/ethnicity or gender. Conclusion: Knowledge of recommended guidelines for fluoride and sealant application support clinical decision-making and self-care counseling. Misinformation and lack of understanding of current research and recommendations identify a need for educational interventions in undergraduate dental hygiene programs and through continuing education for practicing hygienists. This study supports the NDHRA priority area, Clinical Dental Hygiene Care: Assess the use of evidence-based treatment recommendations in dental hygiene practice.