@article {Kanji44, author = {Zul Kanji and Michelle Pidgeon and Michelle Nilson}, title = {Selecting a Bachelor of Dental Science Degree in Dental Hygiene: Stories shared from a narrative inquiry}, volume = {93}, number = {4}, pages = {44--52}, year = {2019}, publisher = {American Dental Hygienists{\textquoteright} Association}, abstract = {Purpose: Little is known regarding why prospective dental hygiene students select a four-year entry-to-practice baccalaureate degree rather than a diploma granting program in Canada. The purpose of this study was to explore motivating influences for selecting an entry-to-practice baccalaureate degree in dental hygiene from the perspective of former students.Methods: This study employed a qualitative narrative inquiry consisting of 20 individual semi-structured interviews with 10 former first-year students of the University of British Columbia{\textquoteright}s Bachelor of Dental Science (dental hygiene) program. Analysis included deductive and inductive coding, member checking, and researcher memos that facilitated the development of emerging themes.Results: Primary reasons for selecting a Bachelor of Dental Science degree included: expanding career opportunities, access to graduate education, prestige and status of the university, perceived credibility, in addition to family, cultural, and peer influences.Conclusion: Findings reveal insights for educational institutions to better understand the possible factors attracting prospective students to a dental hygiene baccalaureate degree program. This information may also be useful for clinicians practicing with a diploma or associate degree who are considering additional education towards a baccalaureate degree.}, issn = {1553-0205}, URL = {https://jdh.adha.org/content/93/4/44}, eprint = {https://jdh.adha.org/content/93/4/44.full.pdf}, journal = {American Dental Hygienists{\textquoteright} Association} }