PURPOSEThe purpose was to assess clinical dental hygienists' knowledge, beliefs, and intentions regarding asking adolescents about electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) ...use.METHODSCross-sectional survey research was conducted with a convenience sample of dental hygienists using a validated instrument developed based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) that contained the following sections: demographics, knowledge, behavioral belief (BB), normative beliefs, control beliefs, and behavioral intention. Outcomes were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlations, and multivariate regression analysis.RESULTSOf the 360 participants who opened the survey, 257 completed it for a completion rate of 71.4%. The knowledge score mean was 72%. BBs suggested that a majority (83%) of participants were likely to ask adolescent patient about ENDS use, however, normative beliefs showed that only about half had the support of their dentist/supervisor, and one-third (33%) felt they had sufficient tobacco/nicotine use and dependency guideline resources. This resulted in only half having the behavioral intention to ask adolescents about ENDS use. Demographic variables were not significantly correlated with the TPB subscales or intention. In the regression model all three TPB subscales predicted intention (F3, 251) = 46.1; p < .001). The coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.35) suggested 35% of the variation in the intention to ask about ENDS use can be explained by the model.DISCUSSIONMost participants had favorable BBs toward asking about ENDS use among adolescents. However, adequate support from dentists/supervisors and training on guidelines for prevention and cessation of ENDS is needed to encourage dental hygienists to ask adolescents about ENDS use.
The purpose of this study was to identify demographic variables, the level of self-directed learning (SDL), locus of control (LOC), and personality traits in dental hygiene (DH) students and to ...identify predictive variables for SDL.
Cross-sectional survey research was conducted with a convenience sample of DH students (n = 229) in the United States using a web-based survey. The validated instruments used were the Self-Directed Learning Instrument (SDLI) to determine level of SDL, the Academic Locus of Control (ALC) scale for college students to evaluate LOC, and the Big Five Inventory-2-Extra Short Form (BFI-2-XS) to identify personality traits. Descriptive, correlation, and regression analyses were performed.
The completion rate was 68.9% (n = 159). The average SDLI score of the sample was 82.59, indicating a high overall level of SDL. The average ALC score was 10.34, indicating an overall internal LOC. Internal LOC (B = -0.319, SE = 0.082, β = -0.330, p < 0.001) and an open-minded personality trait (B = 1.156, SE = 0.363, β = 0.233, p = 0.002) emerged as significant predictors of learning motivation (B = -0.138, SE = 0.057, β = -0.214, p < 0.017) and self-monitoring (B = 0.553, SE = 0.253, β = 0.167, p = 0.030) SDLI constructs.
SDL among DH students can be cultivated by enhancing their learning motivation and self-monitoring skills. This may be achieved by helping learners increase their internal locus of control and open-mindedness. Future studies should explore exercises to help promote these traits.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between demographics, compassion fatigue (CF), compassion satisfaction (CS), burnout (BO) and alcohol use among dental hygienists (DHs).
...The web-based survey consisting of two validated instruments Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and Professional Quality of Life to measure alcohol use, CF, CS and BO was conducted with a convenience sample of DHs (n = 963).
The completion rate was 81.6% (n = 786). Nearly one in five DHs (19.1%) reported having their alcohol consumption influenced by the Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic at least moderately. The number of hours worked per week (x) and AUDIT scores (y) were fully mediated by BO (m) (P < 0.001); the average number of hours worked per week (x) and AUDIT scores (y) were fully mediated by CF (m) (P < 0.001); the average number of patients seen per day (x) was a predictor of AUDIT scores (y) when partially mediated by BO (m) (P < 0.001); and age (x) was a predictor of AUDIT scores (y), mediated by CS (m). Results showed that one in four DHs could qualify for binge drinking (25.6%, n = 177) and 15.1% experienced blackout drinking episodes within the past year (n = 118).
Mediating relationships exist between demographics, CF, CS, BO and alcohol use among DHs. More research needs to be conducted on alcohol use and CF among DHs and protective factors that may reduce the risk of BO, CF or alcohol use.
Purpose/Objectives
Studies in health professional students have shown the students' perception of instructor caring behaviors had a positive impact on student behaviors and their anxiety. Health ...professional students are under high emotional and academic demands during entry‐level programs which can lead to higher anxiety. The purpose of this study was to measure the relationship between worry or anxiety and dental hygiene students’ perceptions of faculty caring behaviors.
Methods
Cross‐sectional survey research was conducted with a convenience sample of dental hygiene students (n = 355) in the United States using a web‐based survey. The validated instruments Nursing Students’ Perceptions of Instructor Caring (NSPIC) and Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ) were used for data collection. The NSPIC contains five subscales including instilling confidence through caring (CTC), supportive learning climate, appreciation of life's meanings, control versus flexibility (F), and respectful sharing (RS). Data analysis included descriptive, correlation, and multiple linear regression.
Results
The completion rate was 66% (n = 235). Findings showed the NSPIC subscale, CTC had a statistically significantly higher median score than other NSPIC sub‐scales (p < 0001). The NSPIC subscale RS had the second‐highest median score. The results of the PSWQ showed that 48% of participants were in the chronic worrier category. Regression analysis showed CTC was a significant predictor of worry (p < 0.001) and a one‐unit increase in CTC resulted in a 0.21 decrease in the PSWQ score.
Conclusion
Our findings suggested instilling CTC behaviors was the most significant faculty caring behavior and was associated with lower levels of student worry.
The results from this study may aid in identifying and developing effective caring behaviors for faculty to support students during stressful dental and allied dental curricula.
Aims
The study aimed to investigate the influence of dental hygiene providers' self‐efficacy and the factors affecting self‐efficacy on their intent to provide care for autistic individuals.
Methods ...and Results
A cross‐sectional survey was conducted using a nonprobability sample of dental hygienists (n = 1075), yielding a completion rate of 70.6%. The survey included validated measures to assess participants' demographics, autism training and experience, autism knowledge, self‐efficacy, environmental factors, and intention to treat the autistic population. Participants’ self‐efficacy scores (r = 0.416; p < .001) and support from dental offices (r = 0.174; 0.465; p < .001) had the greatest influence on intent. Clinicians who had more experience treating (r = 0.280; p = .005) and received more hours of training/education on treating autistic patients (r = 0.344; p < .001) showed a stronger inclination to provide care to this population. Notably, autism knowledge had a weaker impact on intent when compared to self‐efficacy and training/education.
Conclusion
Autism‐focused education and training have a positive effect on provider self‐efficacy when caring for autistic individuals. Increased emphasis on such interventions is necessary at all levels of dental hygiene education. The findings from this study can help overcome barriers to preventive dental care for the autistic community.
Objective
This study explored perfectionism, self‐compassion and personal growth initiative in clinical dental hygienists.
Methods
Cross‐sectional survey research was conducted with a non‐probability ...sample of clinical dental hygienists (n = 877). The survey had 55 items and consisted of three validated instruments: Frost's Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale—Brief (including evaluative concerns and perfectionistic striving subscales), Neff's Self‐Compassion Scale and Robitschek's Personal Growth Initiative Scale. Descriptive, correlation, t‐test, ANOVA and logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the relationships among variables. Mediation analysis was conducted to determine the presence of a mediated moderation effect of self‐compassion on perfectionism and personal growth initiative.
Results
The completion rate for the survey was 89% (n = 788). Evaluative concerns (M = 11.83) and perfectionistic strivings (M = 15.44) among dental hygienists were high, levels of self‐compassion (SC) were moderate (M = 2.87) and levels of personal growth initiative (PGI) were low (M = 38.07) compared to others not in the dental field. The mediation analysis found that SC mediates the relationship between perfectionistic evaluative concerns and PGI. It was also determined that SC mediates the relationship between perfectionistic strivings and PGI.
Conclusion
Dental hygienists have high levels of perfectionism and may lack necessary levels of self‐compassion to counteract those perfectionistic tendencies resulting in a decrease in taking the initiative to engage in opportunities for growth. This suggests the importance of dental hygienists developing a more adaptive perfectionism to balance self‐criticism along with not having unrealistic expectations for perfection while engaging in self‐compassion that includes self‐kindness and mindfulness to support their continued growth.
Purpose/objectives
There is little research regarding dental hygiene faculty perspectives on advising graduate students through the thesis process. This study explored dental hygiene faculty's ...experiences when advising DH graduate students through the thesis process and understanding their perspectives on the factors impacting completion of the thesis.
Methods
This qualitative phenomenological research study utilized virtual focus groups with a purposive sample of graduate DH thesis advisors (n = 18) from institutions with a thesis‐based Master of Science degree. A deductive analysis method was implemented based on six main topics (advisor's roles, advisor expectations of advisee, advisee challenges, student support strategies, institutional polices and resources, and academic workload and benefits of the advisor role) in the literature using qualitative analysis software.
Results
Main emergent themes included being a co‐investigator and supervisor of the advisee research process; expectations of advisee to respect the advisor's time and effort; expectation advisee understand the demands of a thesis; advisees challenges included self‐doubt and balancing of responsibilities; need to develop the advisor/advisee relationship and trust with advisee; and university policies and the availability of resources impact on the thesis completion.
Conclusion
Dental Hygiene thesis advisors reported incorporation of many strategies to execute their role. The thesis process is unique to every student; however, the advisor's comprehensive problem‐solving skills and the student's perseverance collectively facilitate the completion of the thesis. Institutional policies, other resources, and the increase in workload are potential barriers for Dental Hygiene thesis advisors and require advocating on behalf of their advisee for on‐time thesis completion.
The purpose of this study was to explore dental hygiene students' and recent graduates' awareness, attitudes, perceived barriers, motivators, and intentions to pursue a career in academia as a dental ...hygiene educator.
Cross-sectional survey research was conducted with a non-probability sample of dental hygiene students and recent graduates (n = 451). The survey included sections for familiarity regarding academic careers for dental hygienists, attitudes toward academic careers, barriers and motivating factors for this career path, and future academic career intentions. Analysis included descriptive, correlations, and regression.
Of 451 surveys started, 296 were at least 80% complete for a completion rate of 66%. The most reported barrier to a career in academia was the cost to obtain the required degree to become an educator (67.6%, n = 200), and for motivating factors was a sense of accomplishment (62.8%, n = 186). Regression analysis of likelihood to pursue a higher education degree showed two main predictors; belief that higher education would advance the dental hygiene profession (β = 0.35, p < 0.001) and willingness to take a pay cut to become an educator (β = 0.24, p < 0.001).
Overall dental hygiene students and recent graduates were familiar with and had a positive view of careers in academia. However, barriers included cost and time for obtaining a higher degree, as well as the pay differential between academia and private practice. The educator shortage in dental hygiene may be alleviated by providing educators with loan forgiveness and offering salaries comparable to clinical practice.
Purpose/objectives
Although the bachelor's degree is the entry‐level degree option supported by the American Dental Hygienists’ Association, the majority of dental hygiene programs remain associate ...degree. The aim of this study was to explore factors impacting entry‐level program choice and examine attitudes and perceptions of dental hygiene students pertaining to a bachelor's degree (BS) as the entry‐level degree.
Methods
A cross‐sectional survey research design was utilized with a convenience sample of dental hygiene students (n = 429) from the United States and Canada. The 33‐item survey had four sections: demographics, factors influencing program choice, attitudes, and perceptions of a BS. Descriptive and inferential analysis was used to explore the relationship between variables.
Results
The completion rate was 91% (n = 384). Factors that most influenced program choice included: location (74%), cost (68%), and time to completion (47.7%). Students with mothers who graduated from college were more likely to rank time to completion as their number one factor (37%) (χ2df2 = 19.6, p < 0.001, phi = 0.33). Students in bachelor's programs were significantly more likely to believe a bachelor's degree better prepared clinicians for duties required in future practice and that the entry‐level degree should be raised to a bachelor's degree (p < 0.001). While more students in associate degree program agreed there were opportunities in education without a bachelor's degree (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
Cost, time to completion, and location were the factors influencing students’ program choice. While the dental hygiene profession advocates raising the entry‐level degree to a bachelor's programs, less than 40% of dental hygiene students supported this change.
