Knowledge and Ability Toward CPR in Metropolitan Dental Hygienists

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation ability and level of knowledge among certain dental hygienists in Seoul and Gyeonggi-do. METHODS: We surveyed ability and knowledge of CPR among dental hygienists working at dental offices and dental hospitals located in Soul and Gyeonggi-do from September 18, 2010 to October 16, 2010. Data acquired from dental hygienists who had completed the questionnaire that we designed were used in the analysis. Uni- and bi-variate analysis and Chi-square test were performed using SAS 9.2. RESULTS: According to our findings, among respondents, approximately 14.29% of dental hygienists had a CPR license. Their CPR licenses are affected by working period, job position, and level of education (p<.05). Factors including working period, type of CPR license, and CPR license renewal were indicators of CPR knowledge level (p<.05). Significant differences were observed among dental hygienists with regard to subjective CPR abilities, which is dependent on obtaining a CPR license, CPR knowledge level, and education channel for CPR (p<.05). CONCLUSION: CPR ability and knowledge level among dental hygienists were not sufficient to save emergency people in the dental clinic. In order to save emergency patients patients, implementation of a CPR education and renewal program for dental hygienists is recommended.