A Protocol for Treating Patients with Post-Covid Conditions in Dental Settings.

Purpose The relative newness of Post-COVID Conditions (PCC) has revealed a void in assessment protocols and treatment guidelines for dental settings. Providing oral health care practitioners with an assessment and treatment protocol could facilitate the delivery of comprehensive oral health care. The purpose of this study was to test a protocol for assessing and treating patients with PCC in dental practice settings.Methods A qualitative exploratory research design was used to conduct the study. A PCC assessment and treatment protocol (ATP) was developed and was used by dental hygienists in clinical practice in California for a period of 6 weeks. Following the use of the PCC ATP practitioners were invited to participate in individual interviews. Online individual interviews were comprised of 20 dental hygienists recruited via purposive sampling. Participant anonymity was preserved using pseudonyms. A qualitative analysis software program was used to identify codes and themes. Investigator triangulation, member checks, and saturation were used to validate responses.Results Fifty-six participants completed the six-week PCC ATP and twenty participants took part in the interview session. Four themes were identified: awareness, accessibility, resources, and complications. Within the accessibility theme, subthemes of ease of use and guidance emerged. The complications theme yielded three subthemes: time, clinician hesitation, and patient lack of cooperation.Conclusion This study demonstrated that a PCC ATP created awareness of the varied symptoms of PCC and is a useful resource for clinical practitioners. Providing dental hygienists with a treatment protocol supports efforts to provide person-centered evidence-based care.

Perceptions of Incivility Among Dental Hygiene Students and Faculty/Administrators.

Purpose While incivility has been part of higher education for many years, there has been a documented increase as both students and educators have begun to recognize this behavior and its effects on student learning, faculty satisfaction and stress. The purpose of this descriptive study was to investigate the perceptions of incivility among dental hygiene students and faculty/administrators.Methods This study utilized a convenience sample of five dental hygiene programs in California. The Incivility in Higher Education-Revised survey (IHE-R) was adapted to obtain data regarding perceptions of incivility among dental hygiene students and faculty/administrators. The survey required participants to describe incivil encounters and the perceived reasons for and consequences of the incivil behavior. An online survey was used for faculty and a paper survey was administered for dental hygiene students. Data from the open-ended questions were reviewed, summarized, edited for redundancy, and analyzed using categories.Results Of the 196 participants, 81.63% were dental hygiene students (n = 160) and 18.37% were dental hygiene faculty and administrators (n = 36). Data analysis of participant responses related to the primary reason for incivil behavior in dental hygiene education revealed five categories including lack of consequences, personality traits, miscommunication, stress, and lack of professionalism. Upon data analysis of participant responses related to the most significant consequence of incivil behavior in dental hygiene education, five categories emerged including hostile environment, decreased student success, emotional distress, relationship damage, and professional damage.Conclusion Both faculty and students felt there was a lack of consequences for incivil behavior and did not feel adequately equipped to manage these situations when they arose. Dental hygiene institutions and professional organizations need to consider offering advanced training in creating a culture of civility to prevent and address incivil behaviors.

A Comparison of Generation Z and Millennial Dental Hygiene Students' Preferred Learning Styles.

Purpose Learning styles have been studied in dental and generational research, but research has been limited with Millennial and Generation Z dental hygiene students. The purpose of this quantitative comparative study was to determine if and to what extent there was a difference between Generation Z and Millennial dental hygiene students' preferred learning styles.Methods First- and second-year dental hygiene students attending three programs located in Southern California were invited to participate in the study. Additional participants were recruited through dental hygiene social media sites. The 44 item Felder-Soloman Index of Learning Styles (ILS) was administered via an online survey platform. Millennial and Generation Z participants were compared on the four dimensions of the ILS: active/reflective, sensing/intuitive, visual/verbal, and sequential/global. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the independent samples t-test.Results A total of 150 dental hygiene students agreed to participate; Millennials (n=61), Generation Z (n=89). There was no significant difference between Millennial and Generation Z students in the active/reflective, sensing/intuitive, or sequential/global dimensions (p>0.05); both cohorts preferred the active, sensing, and sequential learning styles. There was a statistically significant difference in the visual/verbal dimension with Millennials indicating a significantly greater preference for the visual learning style than Generation Z (p=0.04).Conclusion There may be differences between the learning styles of Millennial and Generation Z dental hygiene students. The finding that Generation Z students differ significantly from Millennials on the visual-verbal dimension may indicate a shift toward the verbal dimension learning style that needs further study.

A Conceptual Model Using CliftonStrengths® to Support Dental Hygiene Students' Professional Development.

Purpose Professional development is instrumental in the ongoing success of healthcare professionals and students. The purpose of the second year of this two-year study was to continue to apply the results from the CliftonStrengths® assessment to support entry-level dental hygiene students' professional development and to create a conceptual model for professional development in dental hygiene education.Methods CliftonStrengths® were incorporated in didactic and community learning experiences throughout year two of the dental hygiene curriculum. At the end of year two, focus group interviews assessed student perceptions of professional strengths based on these learning experiences. Co-investigators used a qualitative analysis software program to identify codes and themes. Investigator triangulation and member checks were used to validate responses.Results All second-year dental hygiene students (n=32) participated in year two of the study. Two themes were identified: relevance of CliftonStrengths® and professional development. Within the theme of relevance, the subthemes of adaptability, making connections, and teamwork emerged. The theme professional development yielded three subthemes: appreciation, personal and professional identity, and insight.Conclusion This study demonstrated CliftonStrengths® can be used to promote professional development among dental hygiene students. As a result, a conceptual model was developed for professional development in dental hygiene education. This model can be used as a framework for teaching and to improve student learning experiences.

A comparison of Generation Z and Millennial dental hygiene students' preferred learning styles.

OBJECTIVES: Learning styles have been studied in dental and generational research, but research has been limited with Millennial and Generation Z dental hygiene students. The purpose of this quantitative comparative study was to determine if and to what extent there was a difference between Generation Z and Millennial dental hygiene students' preferred learning styles. METHODS: First- and second-year dental hygiene students attending three programs located in Southern California were invited to participate in the study. Additional participants were recruited through dental hygiene social media sites. The 44 item Felder-Soloman Index of Learning Styles (ILS) was administered via an online survey platform. Millennial and Generation Z participants were compared on the four dimensions of the ILS: active/reflective, sensing/intuitive, visual/verbal, and sequential/global. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and the independent samples t-test. RESULTS: A total of 150 dental hygiene students agreed to participate; Millennials (n = 61), Generation Z (n = 89). There was no significant difference between Millennial and Generation Z students in the active/reflective, sensing/intuitive, or sequential/global dimensions (p > 0.05); both cohorts preferred the active, sensing, and sequential learning styles. There was a statistically significant difference in the visual/verbal dimension with Millennials indicating a significantly greater preference for the visual learning style than Generation Z (p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: There may be differences between the learning styles of Millennial and Generation Z dental hygiene students. The finding that Generation Z students differ significantly from Millennials on the visual-verbal dimension may indicate a shift toward the verbal dimension learning style that needs further study.

Dental Hygiene Educators' Perspectives Towards Manikin Testing for Clinical Licensure Examination.

Purpose The use of manikin testing was recently introduced for dental hygiene licensure examinations. There is currently a lack of research about the efficacy and accuracy of manikin testing for clinical licensure. The purpose of this study is to identify perceptions of dental hygiene educators regarding the use of manikins for the dental hygiene clinical licensure exam.Methods This qualitative study used an exploratory, online, focus group design with 20 dental hygiene educator participants recruited through purposive sampling. Pseudonyms were used to protect participants confidentiality. Two groups of educators were from institutions that did not use manikin testing during COVID-19, and two groups of educators were from institutions that did use manikin testing during the same time period. Themes were analyzed using the classic analysis strategy. Validity was established using investigator triangulation, member checks, and saturation.Results Lack of knowledge including preconceived assumptions regarding manikin examinations; testing considerations with benefits and concerns regarding manikins versus live patients; and perceptions regarding the value of single point in time clinical licensure examinations were the three major themes identified by the participants.Conclusion The manikin exam appeared to address ethical concerns, however, there were limitations in relation to assessing critical thinking and decision-making skills. Some participants expressed that graduation from an accredited dental hygiene program was considered sufficient for licensure. Future studies should include comparisons of recent graduates who complete a clinical licensure examination versus those who do not complete a clinical licensure examination.

Focal Abscess: Description of a clinical case.

Purpose The purpose of this article is to present a case report of a periapical lesion found in a 24-year-old female who presented to a university dental hygiene clinic with a chief complaint of vestibular pain around tooth #22. Radiographically, the lesion appeared radiolucent and unilocular with well-defined borders and significant bone resorption. The area of radiolucency increased in size over a period of five weeks indicating an aggressive pathosis. Given the clinical and radiographic presentations, the differential diagnosis included an odontogenic keratocystic tumor (odontogenic keratocyst), central giant cell granuloma, periapical cyst, and squamous cell carcinoma. Biopsy revealed the diagnosis of a focal abscess. The patient's presenting signs and symptoms are reviewed. Management and contributing factors are discussed.

Utilizing CliftonStrengths® to Increase Professional Development in Dental Hygiene Students.

Purpose Undergraduate dental hygiene education programs may not provide sufficient training in professional development to prepare graduates to be primary health care providers. The purpose of the year one of a two-year study was to apply the results from a strengths assessment instrument to entry-level dental hygiene students' learning experiences and faculty instruction of students.Methods An exploratory research design including quantitative and qualitative methods was used among a convenience sample of entry-level dental hygiene students. A validated assessment instrument (CliftonStrengths®) was used at the beginning of the academic year to determine the professional strengths of the participants. Frequencies and percentages were used to summarize the top five strengths of each participant. Focus group interviews were conducted to assess student and faculty perceptions of professional strengths based on learning experiences at the end of the first academic year. Virtual interviews were transcribed, and the codes and themes were identified. Investigator triangulation and member checks were used to validate responses.Results Thirty-two hygiene students and 28 faculty agreed to participate in the study. The top five strengths identified for both students and faculty (n=60) were in the executing, strategic and relationship building domains. All students (n=32) participated in the focus groups and the following themes were identified: awareness, application, positive approach, successful strategies, and personal growth. Of the faculty participants (n=28), 14 participated in the focus groups. Faculty themes identified were recognition, change in perspective, personalized approach, participatory environment, and empowerment.Conclusion Results this study highlight the potential benefits of a strengths-based approach to undergraduate dental hygiene education. Helping students utilize their professional strengths in a challenging educational setting may lead to increased empowerment, professional growth and development. Further study with year two data may offer an opportunity to understand how identification of professional strengths influences students' learning experiences.

US dental health care workers' mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to assess the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms and understand factors influencing mental health among dental health care workers (DHCWs) during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Beginning in June 2020, 8,902 DHCWs participated monthly in an anonymous longitudinal, web-based survey (response rate, 6.7%). The Patient Health Questionnaire-4 was used to estimate rates of anxiety and depression symptoms. Changes in mental health over time and differences by demographic and practice characteristics, COVID-19 community transmission level, and COVID-19 vaccination status were tested using χ2 tests and multilevel multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: Anxiety symptom rates peaked in November 2020 (28% of dental hygienists, 17% of dentists) and declined to 12% for both professions in May 2021. Depression symptom rates were highest in December 2020 (17% of dental hygienists, 10% of dentists) and declined to 8% in May 2021. Controlling for gender, age, race or ethnicity, and COVID-19 community transmission level, the authors found that dentists had significantly lower odds of anxiety symptoms (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.82; 95% CI, 0.70 to 0.95) and depression symptoms (aOR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.67 to 0.93) than dental hygienists. Compared with vaccinated respondents, those who were unvaccinated but planning on getting vaccinated had significantly higher rates of anxiety (aOR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.20 to 2.44) and depression (aOR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.07 to 2.29) symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: DHCWs' mental health fluctuated during the pandemic. Anxiety and depression in DHCWs were associated with demographic and professional characteristics as well as perceived risk of COVID-19. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Mental health support should be made available for DHCWs. This clinical trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov. The registration numbers are NCT04423770 and NCT04542915.

COVID-19 Practices of Idaho Dental Hygienists.

Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged dental professionals to provide appropriate care while using nationally recognized guidelines to minimize disease transmission. The purpose of this study was to investigate the current practices of dental hygienists in Idaho to better understand how their practices have been impacted by COVID-19 in comparison to national guidelines.Methods: Practicing dental hygienists licensed in Idaho were invited to participate in a 23-item web-based survey. Items included demographics, guidelines used, procedures employed in response to COVID-19, barriers encountered implementing protocols, and vaccination status. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. A Chi-square test was used to test for association between demographics and national guidance used and vaccination status (p=.05).Results: Of the 1,200 dental hygienists e-mailed, 185 consented to participate for a response rate of 15.4%. Respondents reported that level 3 or higher filtration masks were worn for every patient (72.9%, n=113) as were gloves (95.5%, n=148) and eye protection with side shields (71.6%, n=111). Most respondents indicated that disposable gowns (68.4%, n=106) and washable gowns (39.4%, n=61) were not available. A majority (56.1%, n=87) indicated they had been vaccinated. Respondents who had been employed for >15 years were more likely to have been vaccinated (χ2 = 15.25, df = 1, p = 0.000) and were more likely to ask their patients if they had received the COVID-19 vaccine (χ2 = 7.99, df = 1, p=0.005).Conclusion: Infection control practices following national guidance were inconsistent among dental hygienists in Idaho. Further research focusing on factors influencing adherence to national guidance for COVID-19 is needed.

United States Dental Health Care Workers' Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms and understand factors influencing mental health among dental health care workers (DHCWs) in the United States (US) during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: Beginning in June 2020, dentists (DDS) and dental hygienists (DH) in the US were invited to participate monthly in an anonymous, longitudinal, web-based survey. The Patient Health Questionaire-4 (PHQ-4) was used to estimate rates of anxiety and depression symptoms. Changes in mental health over time and differences by demographic and practice characteristics, COVID-19 community transmission level and COVID-19 vaccination status were tested using χ2 tests and multilevel multivariable logistic regression.Results: A total of 8,902 DHCWs (DH, DDS) participated in the survey for a response rate of 6.7%. Anxiety symptom rates peaked in November 2020 (28% DH; 17% DDS) and declined to 12% for both professions in May 2021. Depression symptoms were highest in December 2020 (17% DH; 10% DDS) and declined to 8% in May 2021. Controlling for gender, age, race, ethnicity and community COVID-19 transmission levels, DDS respondents had lower odds of anxiety symptoms (aOR 0.82; 95% CI 0.70 to 0.95) and depression symptoms (aOR 0.79; 95% CI 0.67 to 0.93) than DHs. Compared to vaccinated respondents, DHCWs who were unvaccinated but were planning on getting vaccinated had significantly higher rates of anxiety (aOR 1.71; 95% CI 1.20 to 2.44) and depression symptoms (aOR 1.57; CI 1.07 to 2.29).Conclusions: The mental health status of DHCWs fluctuated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Anxiety and depression were associated with the demographic and professional characteristics of the DHCW as well as the perceived risk of COVID-19 infection. Mental health support should be made available for all DHCWs.

COVID-19 Vaccine Intention and Hesitancy of Dental Hygienists in the United States.

Purpose: Vaccinations represent an important public health tool for mitigating dangerous diseases; nevertheless, there is concern and hesitancy regarding vaccinations including those for COVID-19. The purpose of this study was to determine the intentions and hesitancy among dental hygienists in the United States (US) toward COVID-19 vaccination.Methods: Dental hygienists in the US were surveyed from 1/4/21 to 8/16/21 regarding their intentions to get vaccinated and whether they received a COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccination questions were part of an anonymous, ongoing longitudinal web-based survey of dental hygienists' employment and infection control trends. Willingness or actual COVID-19 vaccination versus vaccine hesitancy were analyzed by differences in demographic characteristics using multivariable logistic regression and X2 and Fisher's exact tests.Results: Full COVID-19 vaccination rates in US dental hygienists rose sharply from 2/5/21 to 3/5/21 (26.0% to 53.9%) and leveled off to 75.4% by 8/30/21. The highest rates of vaccine hesitancy were among dental hygienists aged 26-39 years and those who had contracted COVID-19 during the time of the survey. The lowest vaccination hesitancy rates were seen among Non-Hispanic Asians and individuals 65+. When controlling for age, race/ethnicity, and years practiced, dental hygienists who had contracted COVID-19 had higher odds of being vaccine hesitant (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR): 1.847, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.274, 2.678). Having contracted COVID-19 was also associated with respondents changing from being hesitant to be vaccinated to being willing to be vaccinated (aOR: 4.071, 95% CI: 1.652, 10.030).Conclusion: Although vaccine acceptance is high among dental hygienists in the US, vaccine hesitancy remains an ongoing concern. Dental hygienists are key prevention specialists who should promote adherence to vaccination recommendations for the health of the public. Further education in virology, epidemiology, and vaccination education is recommended.

Employment Patterns of Dental Hygienists in the United States During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An update.

Purpose: Despite recovery in dental practices' patient volume, dentists in the United States (US) continue to report difficulties in hiring dental hygienists due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This study updates previous data on US dental hygienists' employment patterns and attitudes concerning returning to work.Methods: Licensed dental hygienists were invited to participate in monthly web-based surveys between September 2020 and August 2021. Employment questions included current and pre-pandemic work status as well as reasons for not currently working as a clinical dental hygienist. Descriptive statistics were used to describe dental hygienists' employment status and reasons for not currently working. Cross tabulation analysis included employment status and reasons for not working by age group.Results: As of August 2021, 4.9% (n=59) of the participants reported that they were not currently employed as a dental hygienist. Most reported that the reason for non-employment as a dental hygienist was voluntary (74.1%; n=43).Safety concerns for self and others were the primary reasons for not returning to work; participants also indicated retirement or that they no longer wished to practice due to the pandemic. However, the percentage of respondents citing insufficient childcare, wanting the COVID-19 vaccine but not obtaining it, and having an underlying health condition, decreased between the beginning and the conclusion of the study.Conclusion: A measurable degree of hesitancy among US dental hygienists to return to work has persisted over a year and a half into the pandemic and may continue despite some improvements in workplace safety and vaccine uptake. Future research should examine workforce levels after the pandemic resolves.

Infection Prevention and Control Practices of Dental Hygienists in the United States During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A longitudinal study.

Purpose: The SARS-CoV-2 virus continues to mutate, and the COVID-19 pandemic remains a global health crisis. The purpose of this longitudinal study was to continue to analyze the use of infection prevention and control practices (IPC) and personal protective equipment (PPE) by dental hygienists in the United States (US) during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: Web-based surveys on COVID-19 related health, IPC, and PPE were administered monthly to a panel of US licensed dental hygienists (n=6,976) from September 2020 to August 2021. Trends over time and predictors of IPC and PPE use were estimated using Stata 17.0 xt commands and multilevel multivariable logistic regression. Linear regression modeling for trends in time and tests for changes in trends were conducted (Joinpoint Regression Program, Version 4.9.0.0).Results: Almost all practicing dental hygienists (99.9%, 14,926 observations) reported COVID-19 specific IPC in place at their primary dental practice. Consistently >96% of dental hygienists reported operatory disinfection and staff masking over the study period. Patient face masking and physical protections such as barriers or air filtration increased in use over time, then declined in spring 2021. Screening or interviewing patients before appointments, checking patient temperatures before treatment, checking staff temperatures at shift start, disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, and encouraging distance between patients were reported by >85% of respondents until March 2021, at which point significant decreases were observed. Wearing a mask or respirator and eye protection during patient care consistently rose over time from September 2020 (77.1%) to August 2021 (81.4%). Always wearing a N95 or equivalently protective respirators during aerosol generating procedures peaked in 2/2021 and declined thereafter. Dental practice setting, supply of respirators, COVID-19 vaccination, and COVID-19 community transmission level were significantly associated with IPC and PPE use.Conclusion: Most US dental hygienists reported always wearing masks and eye protection during patient care and a variety of IPC types have been instituted to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission in dental practice settings. However, the use of N95 or equivalent respirators and some additional IPC methods declined during 2021.

Implant Maintenance Curriculum Content in Dental Hygiene Education.

Purpose: Dental implants have become a common treatment option for the replacement of missing teeth. The purpose of this study was to identify the curriculum content used for teaching dental implant maintenance within entry-level dental hygiene programs in the United States.Methods: An electronic questionnaire was distributed via five mailings in March and April of 2020 to accredited entry-level dental hygiene program directors (n=329) in the United States. The survey instrument evaluated curriculum content related to dental implant maintenance within dental hygiene programs at both the associate and baccalaureate levels. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi square tests of association (p=0.01).Results: A total of 86 responses were received for a response rate of 26.1%. Most programs (98.80%, n=82) provide didactic instruction on dental implant maintenance, while less than half (45.8%, n=38) include laboratory instruction in maintenance therapy. On average, students worked with 3.41 implant patients during their clinical education (range = 0-20). Most respondents indicated that clinical competencies are not required for implant maintenance. There were no statistically significant differences found in the curriculum content for teaching dental implant maintenance between associate degree/certificate and baccalaureate entry-level programs.Conclusion: Varied approaches in the assessment and maintenance of peri-implant health were identified among the dental hygiene programs surveyed. These findings may provide an opportunity for program directors to assess their curriculum and create protocols and competencies related to dental implant maintenance. Future research is needed to investigate the curriculum content and evaluate whether programs are implementing maintenance approaches that promote implant health.

Exploration of the Scholarship of Doctoral Prepared Dental Hygienists.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the scholarship of doctoral prepared dental hygienists as it relates to advancing the dental hygiene discipline.Methods: A qualitative descriptive research design was used to determine patterns regarding dental hygienists' experiences with their doctoral education and resulting scholarly activities. Purposive and network sampling were used to identify potential participants. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed. Data generated from the interviews were analyzed simultaneously with data collection. Open coding and axial coding were used to analyze data in a continuous comparative method to determine themes. Validity was insured through triangulation, member checks, and respondent validation.Results: Ten participants were interviewed, and data analysis revealed several themes for each research question. Themes that influenced the decision to enroll in the program included personal, professional, influencers, and situational Experiences the PhD program provided were scholarship socialization, program requirements, and PhD program faculty Relative to career advancement, themes included credibility and career opportunities Scholarship activities contributing to the dental hygiene discipline revealed two themes: scholarly activities and dental hygiene is an evolving discipline Conclusion: Although each participant's journey to a doctoral degree was unique, there were similar themes for motivation to obtain this advanced degree in addition to the preparation for engagement in scholarly activities and career advancement. While many participants had not pursued building theoretical or conceptual models, most agreed on their importance and the concept that dental hygiene is a developing discipline.

Oral Care Experiences of Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Purpose: Individuals with autism need oral health care providers who understand their sensitivities and are responsive to their oral health care needs. The purpose of this study was to understand the oral health care experiences and needs of young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).Methods: A qualitative descriptive research design was used and young adults with ASD were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling. Semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions were conducted and audio-recorded. Pseudonyms were used to protect confidentiality. Interviews were transcribed and data were analyzed simultaneously at the time of data collection. Open coding and axial coding were used to create common categories. Validity was established using investigator triangulation and member checks.Results: Fifteen individuals (ten males and five females) met the inclusion criteria and participated in the study. Participants revealed a range of feelings related to their oral care experiences from positive to neutral to negative. Participants identified likes and dislikes in regard to dental hygiene and dental treatment as well as daily self-care practices. Individuals reported that improvements in communication were needed; some indicated not wanting to disclose their ASD diagnosis with their oral care providers. Multiple auditory, visual, and tactile sensory challenges were experienced while waiting in the reception area and during the provision of oral health care treatment. Participants made recommendations to improve oral health care experiences.Conclusions: Results from this study offered insight into the oral care experiences of young adults with ASD and the challenges they encounter. Additional research is needed to further explore this phenomenon from the perspective of non-verbal individuals with ASD and from the standpoint of oral health care professionals who are working with young adults with developmental disabilities.

Oral Health Experiences of the Limited Scleroderma Patient.

Purpose: Limited scleroderma is associated with significant risks to the orofacial complex. The purpose of this mixed methods study was to investigate the experiences of participants with limited scleroderma related to oral health quality of life and oral health.Methods: A sequential mixed methods study was used in a population of individuals diagnosed with limited scleroderma. Participants were recruited through rheumatology specialists, referral, and social media; purposive sampling was used to recruit participants to be interviewed. The validated Oral Health Impact profile (OHIP) and Mouth Handicap in Systemic Sclerosis (MHISS) instruments and semi-structured interviews were used for data collection. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the qualitative data were reported through thematic analysis.Results: Forty-eight (n=48) qualifying participants participated in the quantitative phase, and 12 (n=12) participated in the qualitative phase. Based on a Likert Scale from 0-4, mean OHIP-14 scores ranged from 2.76 to 2.85, with anxiety over oral condition, embarrassed by oral problems, and oral self-consciousness having the greatest negative impact on quality of life. Mean MHISS scores ranged from 2.13 to 3.11. The highest OHRQoL scores were related to dry mouth symptoms. Factors influencing oral health-related quality of life were varied; dry mouth and microstomia were the prevalent complaints. Thematic analysis revealed challenges to oral health included self-care and professional dental care factors, both of which depended upon individual disease expression. Financial and emotional burdens also influenced participants' oral health.Conclusion: The oral health-related quality of life of those with limited scleroderma is impacted by multiple factors and oral health care professionals must seek out improved treatment modalities to address the needs of these vulnerable individuals. Future studies related to interprofessional collaborative care with scleroderma specialists are recommended.

A 15-Minute Yoga Intervention to Reduce Entry-Level Dental Hygiene Student Stress.

Purpose: Health science students have an increased source of stress due to the rigorous curriculum, high clinical expectations, and academic demands. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a 15-minute yoga intervention to reduce stress in entry-level dental hygiene students.Methods: First year dental hygiene students were invited to participate in the experimental study (n=32) and were randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group. The stress reduction intervention (gentle yoga movements, breathing, and meditation) was performed prior to each final exam for a total of six times. The control group proceeded with their usual pre-exam routines. Baseline and post-trial blood pressure, pulse and 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) data were recorded for both groups. Repeated measures of blood pressure and pulse were recorded before and after yoga for the experimental group and the control group prior to each exam. Data analyses included Paired-samples t-test, Independent-samples t-test and ANOVA, (p=0.05).Results: The main effect for yoga from pre- to post-session was statistically significant for blood pressure (p=0.02 systolic; p=0.02 diastolic) but not for pulse (p=0.23). Significant effects on blood pressure measures showed yoga movement sessions reduced stress however the effects sizes were small. The paired t-tests indicated the 10-item PSS values were significantly lower (p<0.00). Statistical significance of differential, beneficial effects of yoga versus control were not demonstrated.Conclusion: Fifteen-minutes of yoga movements had feasibility, compliance, and appeared to have positive effects related to stress reduction. No evidence of statistical significance was demonstrated compared to the control. Research on a larger sample of entry-level dental hygiene students using yoga movements over the course of a semester is recommended.