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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.
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Perfeccionismo , Autocompasión , Humanos , Estudios Transversales , Higienistas Dentales , Autoevaluación (Psicología)RESUMEN
AIMS: 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). METHODS: 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). RESULTS: 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). CONCLUSION: 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.
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Alcoholismo , Agotamiento Profesional , COVID-19 , Desgaste por Empatía , Humanos , Desgaste por Empatía/epidemiología , Empatía , Calidad de Vida , Alcoholismo/epidemiología , Higienistas Dentales , Agotamiento Profesional/epidemiología , Satisfacción Personal , Consumo de Bebidas Alcohólicas/epidemiología , Encuestas y CuestionariosRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess oral health knowledge, attitudes, and practices of women who had given birth in the United States within the past 2 years, and to evaluate factors affecting women's dental service utilization during pregnancy. METHODS: This study used a descriptive, cross-sectional design and employed non-probability sampling methods. The 47-item questionnaire included: oral health behaviors (8), knowledge (5), attitudes (12), and practices during pregnancy (10), and demographic (12) questions. Participants were recruited through multiple postpartum support group forums on Facebook. Logistic regression was used to identify potential predictors of dental utilization during pregnancy. RESULTS: Ninety-one percent of the participants had at least an associate's degree, and 85.6% had dental insurance coverage during pregnancy. Approximately 56% knew the connection between poor oral health and pregnancy complications; however, only 11% obtained this information from their OBGYNs and 10% from their dental offices. Although women aware of the association were more likely to visit the dental office during pregnancy (64%, p < .001), the majority (74%) who experienced tooth or gum related issues during pregnancy reported not receiving any dental or gum treatment. Women, who had positive dental attitudes and awareness of an increased risk of pregnancy complications due to poor oral health, were more likely to receive dental care during pregnancy regardless of dental coverage. CONCLUSION: Medical and dental providers could play an active role in educating women on the importance of having good oral health, potential oral/systemic relationships, and the benefits of receiving dental care during pregnancy.
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Salud Bucal , Complicaciones del Embarazo , Estudios Transversales , Femenino , Conocimientos, Actitudes y Práctica en Salud , Humanos , Periodo Posparto , Embarazo , Estados UnidosRESUMEN
Decisions about one's health are often accompanied by uncertain outcomes, which may be either positively or negatively valenced. The presence of this uncertainty, which can range along a continuum from risk to ambiguity (i.e., decisions in which the outcome probabilities are known or unknown), can be perceived as threatening, and individuals tend to be averse to uncertain outcomes, and will attempt to avoid uncertainty when possible. We proposed that one way to reduce uncertainty aversion could be to provide opportunities to affirm one's core values, or "self-affirmation." Prior research has suggested that self-affirmation promotes health behaviour by providing a buffer against potential threats to the self. However, the degree to which self-affirmation affects decision-making is still unclear. Across two studies, we tested the effects of a self-affirmation manipulation on risk (Study 1) and ambiguity (Study 2) preferences for both potential gains and losses. In both studies, we found that, compared to the non-affirmed group, affirmed individuals were more accepting of uncertainty when the decision involved potential gains, but not for potential losses. Further, for risky decisions, the increased acceptance of uncertainty came at the expense of making choices consistent with expected value, such that self-affirmed individuals made more disadvantageous choices than non-affirmed individuals. Our results suggest both benefits and costs of self-affirmation in the context of risky choice, an important finding given the many applications of self-affirmation in behavioral decision making contexts.
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OBJECTIVES: The use of conventional treatment for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) reduces the prevalence of pain, but with popularity of complementary alternative medicine (CAM) therapies for treatment, it is important to explore their use and impact on dental hygienists (DHs) quality of life (QoL). METHODS: A cross-sectional survey research design was used with a non-probability sample of dental hygienists (n = 85) with WRMSDs who used CAM therapies. The WHOQOL-BREF was used to assess quality of life and compared with CAM use and frequency. Analysis included descriptive, t-tests, correlation and chi-square tests of independence. RESULTS: The most commonly used CAM types were massage (81%) and chiropractic manipulation (67%) with 66% of respondents using two or more CAM therapies. Participants using five or less different CAMs (n = 46), compared with those using more than five CAM types (n = 35, M = 2.3, SD = 1.5), t (79) = 2.7, p = 0.01, had a higher average number of years before they noticed their WRMSD (M = 3.3, SD = 1.9). Participants reporting use of a higher number of CAM types also had lower QoL physical health domain scores (rho = -0.2, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Dental hygienists used a variety of CAM approaches to manage WRMSDs and had a lower QoL across all domains (physical health, psychological health, social relationships and environment) than the normative mean. More research is needed to explore the use of CAM approaches, such as yoga, for prevention and management of WRMSDs to improve QoL.
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Terapias Complementarias , Enfermedades Musculoesqueléticas , Terapias Complementarias/psicología , Estudios Transversales , Higienistas Dentales/psicología , Humanos , Enfermedades Musculoesqueléticas/terapia , Calidad de Vida , Encuestas y CuestionariosRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE/PURPOSE: There is limited research available about men working in the profession of dental hygiene. The purpose of this study was to explore the characteristics and experiences of men in dental hygiene. METHODS: Cross-sectional survey research was conducted with a purposive sample of male dental hygienists (n = 288). Participants were recruited via social media and snowball sampling. The survey was developed based on nursing literature and validated with a panel of experts with a final S-CVI of 98.5%. Descriptive statistics and correlations were used for data analysis. RESULTS: The completion rate was 80.9% (n = 233). Results revealed participants were more likely to be White (59.7%), hold an associate's entry-level dental hygiene degree (60.9%) and work in a private practice dental setting (73.4%). Sixty-one per cent reported full-time employment, and 50% was satisfied or very satisfied with benefits offered by their place of employment. All three sources of gender discrimination (patients, co-workers and employers) were related to experiencing a desire to leave the field. Experiencing gender discrimination from patients indicated a higher likelihood of desire to leave the field (49%) comparatively (33%), χ2 = 5.94, p = 0.02. Half of the respondents reported (56.7%) patients had refused to see them based on their gender. CONCLUSION: This research provides a snapshot of demographics and professional characteristics of male dental hygienists. Gender discrimination from patients emerged as an area that needs to be addressed in practice settings. It will be important to identify ways to make the profession more inviting to encourage men to join the profession.
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Higienistas Dentales , Higiene Bucal , Estudios Transversales , Empleo , Humanos , Masculino , Encuestas y CuestionariosRESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: In the United States, approximately 2.7 million grandparents have permanent custody of their grandchildren. Prevalence of primary dental caries has remained steady for those living in poverty, and among children of color. Children in the care of their grandparents frequently live in socioeconomically disadvantaged households, where dental disparities continue to exist. Research regarding the grandfamily dynamic as it relates to oral health, is limited. The purpose of this study was to investigate oral health perceptions, behaviors, and knowledge of grandparents raising/caring for their grandchildren; and explore how a grandparent caregiver's oral health knowledge influences their perceptions/behaviors regarding their grandchild's oral health. METHODS: This descriptive, cross-sectional survey research used non-probability sampling strategies to recruit grandparents who were the primary caregiver of their grandchildren, aged birth to eighteen years. A validated questionnaire was employed, both in-person and electronically. RESULTS: A total of 75 grandparents participated and answered 52% (SD = 27%) of oral health knowledge questions correctly. The study showed a correlation between low-income grandparents (M = 3.94, SD = 1.02) having higher pediatric oral health knowledge. Additionally, results indicated the greater the knowledge, the more positive intent to assist grandchildren with routine brushing and in checking their teeth for cavities. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that regardless of socioeconomic status, grandparent caregiver's oral health knowledge can positively affect their oral health-related behaviors and values, which could influence their grandchildren's' oral health. Further research regarding grandparent caregiver utilization of public health pediatric services and dental education programs, and the potential influence of these programs on pediatric oral health, should be explored.
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Caries Dental , Abuelos , Anciano , Cuidadores , Niño , Estudios Transversales , Humanos , Relaciones Intergeneracionales , Salud Bucal , Percepción , Estados Unidos/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE/PURPOSE: Given the lack of research within dentistry as it relates to workplace bullying (WPB), the purpose of this study was to explore the prevalence of WPB and predictors of WPB for dental hygienists in clinical practice. METHODS: Cross-sectional survey research was used with a convenience sample of dental hygienists (n = 943) providing patient care to explore WPB. Ninety-three per cent of participants resided in the United States, and 6.9% lived internationally. The survey was shared via social media on Facebook and Instagram group pages, specifically dental focussed. The validated Negative Acts Questionnaire-Revised (NAQ-R) was used to measure the exposure WPB using descriptive, correlation, chi-square and Mann-Whitney U. RESULTS: The completion rate was 81% (n = 765). Results showed 21% of participants had experienced WPB now and then, 9.4% several times a week and 2.9% almost daily. Predictors for WPB included highest degree earned (p = -0.03), US (United States) region of residence (p = 0.001), clinical setting (private practice vs. dental service organization) (p < 0.001), clinical years of experience (p = 0.002) and work status (full- or part-time) (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The findings confirmed WPB has been experienced by 1 in 5 clinical dental hygienists. Dental hygienists in their early years are more likely to have reported workplace bullying than those with more years of practice. WPB is not a new phenomenon, but given the prevalence observed in dental hygiene participants, employers need to be active in preventing and managing bullying to create and maintain an effective dental team and positive work environment.
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Acoso Escolar , Higienistas Dentales , Estudios Transversales , Humanos , Prevalencia , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Lugar de TrabajoRESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: 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. METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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, ß = -0.330, p < 0.001) and an open-minded personality trait (B = 1.156, SE = 0.363, ß = 0.233, p = 0.002) emerged as significant predictors of learning motivation (B = -0.138, SE = 0.057, ß = -0.214, p < 0.017) and self-monitoring (B = 0.553, SE = 0.253, ß = 0.167, p = 0.030) SDLI constructs. CONCLUSION: 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.
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PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE: Imposter phenomenon (IP) depicts the feeling of being a fraud. Stress and perfection are associated with IP, impairing professional and academic performance and negatively impacting mental health. The purpose of this study was to explore the prevalence of IP and perfectionism in dental hygiene students and the relationship with stress. METHODS: This study used cross-sectional survey research with a nonprobability sampling of dental hygiene students (n = 258). The study used three validated instruments: the Imposter Profile (IPP30) with six subscales, the Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale Brief with two subscales, and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS10). Descriptive, correlation, and linear regression were used for analysis. RESULTS: The completion rate was 74.8% (n = 193). Linear regression analysis found the competence doubt (CD) subscale of the Imposter-Profile and perfectionistic striving (PS) were the only statistically significant predictors of stress (F = 10.01, p < .001, R2 = .16). CD (b = 0.36, p < 0.001) was twice as strong as PS (b = 0.15, p < 0.05) in predicting stress in dental hygiene students. CONCLUSION: In this sample of dental hygiene students, the doubt about competence aspect of imposter phenomenon increased stress more than the striving for perfectionism. Faculty may minimize stress and support students by identifying the feelings associated with imposter phenomenon and highlighting student achievements to build confidence and feelings of self-efficacy.
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PURPOSE: 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. METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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 (ß = 0.35, p < 0.001) and willingness to take a pay cut to become an educator (ß = 0.24, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: 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.
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Purpose Increased use of technology, including social media, has led to a new phenomenon of workplace cyberbullying, specifically within the health care professions. The purpose of this study was to measure the prevalence of workplace cyberbullying among clinical dental hygienists and identify relationships between these behaviors and demographic characteristics.Methods A cross-sectional survey research design was used with a non-probability sample of clinical dental hygienists (n=714) recruited via social media. The validated Workplace Cyberbullying Measure (WCM) survey instrument was used for data collection which included work-related (10 items) and person-related (7 items) subscales. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and correlations.Results The completion rate was 88.8% (n=634). The prevalence of workplace cyberbullying among participants was 19%, with the highest frequency of negative acts occurring now and then. When comparing the two subscales among different workplace settings corporate dental/Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) had a higher work-related subscale score (M=1.84, SD=0.78) than private practice (p=0.03), but not community/public health clinical settings (p=0.69). Community/public health clinics had a higher work-related subscale score (M=1.78, SD=0.68) than private practice (p<0.001). Corporate dental/DSOs had a higher person-related cyberbullying score (M=1.49, SD=0.59) than private practice (p=0.003) but not community/public health clinics (p=0.37). Corporate dental/DSOs had higher work-related and person-related cyberbullying scores than private practice, however community/public health clinic participants reported a greater incidence of WCB.Conclusion Dental hygienists (20%) report experiencing workplace cyberbullying in the past 6 months especially in corporate dental/DSOs and community/public health settings. Corporate dental/DSOs may need to investigate educating personnel on WCB. Employers, particularly corporate/DSOs and public health agencies, need to have policies in place to manage WCB.
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Ciberacoso , Humanos , Estudios Transversales , Prevalencia , Higienistas Dentales , Lugar de Trabajo , Encuestas y CuestionariosRESUMEN
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.
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Ansiedad , Docentes de Odontología , Estudiantes de Odontología , Humanos , Estudios Transversales , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Estados Unidos , Estudiantes de Odontología/psicología , EmpatíaRESUMEN
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.
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Purpose Social media has created an environment providing readily available information that impacts how individuals seek information and make product decisions. The purpose of this study was to examine adult consumer use of social media for information seeking and the effect on intention to purchase oral health care products.Methods A cross-sectional study design with a non-probability sample of adult consumers recruited through crowdsourcing with Amazon's Mechanical Turk (MTurk) was used to examine the effect of social media on purchasing of oral health products. Data collection included demographic, social media use, and the Information Acceptance Model (IACM) which measured information acceptance from friends and customer reviews from social media. Descriptive statistics, subgroup analysis of demographic variables, and multivariable linear regression were used to assess the relationship among variables.Results Participants (n=308) were mostly males (56.2%), average age 37 years, held bachelor's degrees (68.8%), from the southern United States, and had been to the dentist within the last two years (72.8%). Instagram (40.6%) was the most frequently used platform and social media was frequently used (36.7%) to obtain information on oral health care products. Findings from the IACM information subscale indicated high scores for information from friends and customer reviews (p<0.01). The information needs (p=0.049) and information adoption from friends (p=0.03) were slightly less for females when compared to males. Friends' recommendations (p=0.02) on social media had the greatest effect on intention to purchase among participants living in the Midwest. Multivariate regression models indicated information usefulness and information adoption had the greatest influence on purchase intention from friends (p<0.001), while information credibility, information usefulness, and information adoption had the greatest influence from customer reviews (p<0.001).Conclusion Results provided some initial insights into the way consumers may use social media for information about oral health products and the influences on them choosing to purchase the products. Oral health care providers can use this information to educate and guide patients to credible information sources in their search for oral health care products.
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Intención , Medios de Comunicación Sociales , Adulto , Masculino , Femenino , Humanos , Conducta en la Búsqueda de Información , Estudios Transversales , Atención a la SaludRESUMEN
PURPOSE: The purpose was to assess clinical dental hygienists' knowledge, beliefs, and intentions regarding asking adolescents about electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) use. METHODS: Cross-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. RESULTS: Of 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. DISCUSSION: Most 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.
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Sistemas Electrónicos de Liberación de Nicotina , Cese del Hábito de Fumar , Humanos , Adolescente , Intención , Estudios Transversales , Higienistas Dentales , NicotinaRESUMEN
Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted dental care for individuals due to dental practice closures beginning in March 2020. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between fear or stress related to COVID-19, dental anxiety and attending dental visits among adults in the United States (US).Methods: A cross-sectional survey research design was used with a non-probability sample of adults residing in the US. Three validated scales, the COVID-19 Stress Scale (CSS), Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) and Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS), were used for the electronically delivered survey instrument. A crowdsourcing platform was used to recruit participants over the age of 18, residing in the US. Descriptive, correlation, and multiple regression tests were used for data analysis.Results: A total of 308 participants opened the survey with a 97% completion rate (n=299). Time since the last dental visit was positively correlated with all measurement scale scores (p<0.01). Males had statistically significant higher scores on the CSS traumatic stress (p=0.002) and checking (p=0.001) sub-scales. Participants with bachelor and master's degrees had significantly higher scores across FCV-19S and CSS subscales.Conclusion: Individuals with dental anxiety were more likely to exhibit higher levels of fear and anxiety about COVID-19 transmission, resulting in delays in seeking dental care. Dental professionals should address patient concerns about the safety of dental settings and the infection control measures in place to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 in dental settings. Public health entities and professional organizations need to promote messaging about the measures in place to deliver safe oral health care.
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COVID-19 , Miedo , Aceptación de la Atención de Salud , Estrés Psicológico , Adulto , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Ansiedad , Estudios Transversales , Pandemias , SARS-CoV-2 , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Ansiedad al Tratamiento OdontológicoRESUMEN
Purpose: Compassion satisfaction allows for dental hygienists (DH) to grow professionally, but compassion fatigue can lead to burnout. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between compassion satisfaction (CS), compassion fatigue (CF), burnout (BO), to demographics and work characteristics, including thoughts of leaving the profession, among clinical DHs in the United States.Methods: A cross-sectional survey research design was used with a non-probability sampling of clinical DHs (n=553) recruited via social media. Data collection consisted of demographics, work characteristics and the Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQoL) (version 5). Descriptive, correlation, and logistic regression analyses were used to assess the relationships among variables. Thematic analysis was conducted for the open-ended question.Results: The survey completion rate was 99% (n=527). The mean number of hours worked and number of days per week was 30.6 and 3.8 respectively and, on average, participants had worked 19.3 years in clinical practice. Approximately 70% of respondents indicated thinking about leaving the profession in the next five years. Participants with thoughts about leaving the field had a lower CS score (p<0.001), higher BO score (p<0.001), and higher CF (p<0.001) compared to those who had not thought about leaving the field. Age and years of experience positively correlated to CS and day per week worked negatively correlated to CF (p<0.05).Conclusion: Compassion satisfaction appears to impact burnout and thoughts of leaving the dental hygiene profession. Findings suggest the need for further research to identify ways to prevent burnout and improve retention in the profession.
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Agotamiento Profesional , Desgaste por Empatía , Estudios Transversales , Higienistas Dentales , Empatía , Humanos , Satisfacción en el Trabajo , Satisfacción Personal , Calidad de Vida , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Estados UnidosRESUMEN
Purpose: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that develops in individuals who have experienced a life-threatening event. Previous research has revealed patients diagnosed with PTSD are at increased risk for temporomandibular disorders and dental anxiety. However, the knowledge level of dental hygienists (DHs), regarding PTSD, and their treatment modifications for these patients is unknown. This study sought to evaluate DHs' knowledge of PTSD, and to understand their approach to treating patients with this condition.Methods: Convenience and purposive sampling techniques were used to recruit actively practicing DHs via social media websites. Data was collected using a previously validated online survey, which assessed participants' knowledge of PTSD, and their approach to care for patients suffering from the condition. Descriptive statistics and a Spearman's Rho analysis were used to analyze the data.Results: A total of 362 participants opened the survey for a 94% completion rate (n=342). Participants estimated that 15% of the adults they treated each week suffered from some form of PTSD. Overall, participants recognized that these patients were at moderate to high risk for dental anxiety (91.8%, n=313), and temporomandibular disorders (88.72%, n=33). However, most participants (58.4%, n=192) had not received any education regarding PTSD or how to care for patients with this condition.Conclusion: Results suggest that education on PTSD and its impact on oral health should be incorporated into the dental hygiene curriculum to better prepare graduates to care for this patient population. Continuing education courses should be developed to focus on the special needs of patients suffering from PTSD, so oral health care providers are able to recognize risk factors for the condition and develop effective treatment approaches for these patients.
Asunto(s)
Trastornos por Estrés Postraumático , Trastornos de la Articulación Temporomandibular , Adulto , Higienistas Dentales/educación , Humanos , Salud Bucal , Trastornos por Estrés Postraumático/diagnóstico , Trastornos por Estrés Postraumático/terapia , Encuestas y CuestionariosRESUMEN
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%) (χ2[df2] = 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.