PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Smallidge, Dianne
AU  - Boyd, Linda D.
AU  - Rainchuso, Lori
AU  - Giblin-Scanlon, Lori J.
AU  - LoPresti, Laurence
TI  - Interest in Dental Hygiene Therapy: a study of dental hygienists in Maine
DP  - 2018 Jun 01
TA  - American Dental Hygienists' Association
PG  - 6--13
VI  - 92
IP  - 3
4099  - http://jdh.adha.org/content/92/3/6.short
4100  - http://jdh.adha.org/content/92/3/6.full
SO  - J Dent Hyg2018 Jun 01; 92
AB  - Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the awareness of registered dental hygienists (RDHs), licensed in the state of Maine, regarding the midlevel dental hygiene therapist (DHT) provider model and to gather data regarding the degree of interest in enrolling in a DHT program.Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study design with a non-probability purposive sampling of actively practicing RDHs in the state of Maine (n=1,284) was utilized for the web-based survey. Survey questions included awareness in the passage of DHT legislation, level of interest pursuing education and licensure in this midlevel provider model. Data was collected over a three-week period. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used for data analysis.Results: Response rate was 21% (n=268). Sixty-five percent of respondents expressed interest in enrolling in a DHT program and 40% of those respondents stated a willingness to enroll in a DHT program within the coming year. Although willing to travel 25-50 miles, a majority of respondents preferred programs incorporating online components combined with clinical training completed in nearby communities. Themes emerging from the open-ended question regarding DHT program feasibility and appeal included: convenience, flexibility, cost/affordability, and independent or collaborative practice.Conclusion: Study outcomes indicated interest exists among Maine RDHs regarding the DHT provider role and enrollment in a DHT program. Although there are no DHT programs currently being offered in the New England states, results suggest further investigation is warranted regarding the development of a DHT program in the Northeastern United States.