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Abstracts From 2004 Annual Session DENTAL HYGIENE STUDENT ATTITUDES TOWARD PEER EVALUATION Barbara M. Gonzalez, RDH, MHS Evaluation is an important professional competence. A peer evaluation process was introduced to first year dental hygiene students at the beginning of their first clinical semester to help develop evaluative abilities. All students were scheduled as peer evaluator at least once during their clinical rotations and were required to have peer evaluations on polishing, fluoride administration, unit disinfection, oral hygiene education, seating and positioning, probing, ultrasonic scaling, dietary or tobacco cessation counseling, hand scaling and local anesthesia. A survey was administered to assess attitudes about giving and receiving feedback from a peer at the end of each clinical year. At the end of their first year, 82% felt the experience as a peer evaluator was “enriching”, 90% made changes in their own clinical skill based on their observations of other students, and 26% did not always mark an item as “unsatisfactory” when they should have. At the end of their second year, 85% felt the experience as a peer evaluator was “enriching”, 78% made changes in their skills based on their observations and 35% did not always mark an item as “unsatisfactory” when they should have. Only 3% of students (1 student) did not like being observed by a peer evaluator when surveyed at the end of both clinical years. At the end of the first year, 76% made changes based on peer feedback and no students felt peer evaluators showed favoritism. At the end of the second year, 79% made changes in their skills based on peer feedback. Eighteen% felt there was some favoritism. This may be a result of closer relationships established during the two years. In conclusion, the peer evaluation process was considered valuable by students as peer evaluators and when being evaluated.
*W. Gail Barnes, RDH, PhD The purpose of this study was to identify the pros
and cons of a Bachelor of Science Completion Online program. Conversely, the students responded most negatively to the “other” category (N=8, 32%). The qualitative responses for “other” revealed that the group projects were too difficult to complete online, communication with instructors was limited, some of the courses were better suited for the traditional classroom setting and the personal computer was very slow. Only one student (5%) responded negatively to each of the following categories: asynchronous communication, testing method, developing PowerPoint presentations, and flexibility of classes. It is concluded that the year-end assessment of the students’ experiences provided valuable data for program evaluation, revision, and implementation of online courses.
*Sherri M. Lukes, RDH, MS Service-learning opportunities can provide students with excellent multicultural applied experiences while providing much-needed services to underserved populations. In an age of shrinking budgets, partnering faith-based organizations and educational institutions creates an avenue for impacting access to care for these populations. A dental hygiene faculty member and six dental hygiene students incorporated preventive dental services into a construction mission trip to Tamaulipas, Mexico. Dental services included periodontal debridement, routine prophylaxes, dental sealants, and fluoride varnish applications. Services were provided for both adults and children in a church in Palmillos, and under a canopy in the village of La Mula, utilizing portable dental equipment. Informed consent was obtained. Twenty three adults and 38 children were served in the two villages. The dental hygiene students received internship hours for a Rural Health and Geriatrics course as part of a baccalaureate dental hygiene curriculum. Further, students participated in a sealant grant program and mouthguard project. Area church leaders offered a facility to provide services from both programs to children within the predominately African American community near the university. Consent forms were obtained from churches allowing children to receive services during a church-sponsored Summer Lunch Program (SLP) and Vacation Bible School (VBS). Dentists, dental hygiene and dental technology faculty and dental hygiene students participated in both the sealant and mouthguard programs. A total of 45 children received care; all received exams and 80 sealants were placed. Thirteen children received sport mouthguards and 3 received bruxism appliances. Reflective writing about all of the service-learning experiences are used for program evaluation. All students deemed the service learning experiences as a very beneficial component of their educational experience.
*Beverly McClure, RDH, BS Senior DH students are required to complete a practicum the last quarter of their educational experience. Three DH students chose to complete their practicum by serving as teaching assistants (TAs) in the course. Two senior dental students who had completed clinical requirements agreed to become TAs. The students contributed suggestions concerning course content, and they were asked to determine the topics and methods they would like to teach. They could choose to conduct small group or entire class demonstrations, construct quizzes and evaluations, construct practical exams, evaluate and grade required assignments , or provide on-on-one instruction and evaluation. All teaching methods were guided by mentoring faculty. The DH students (N=31) enrolled in the dental materials course were given a Likert-like survey regarding the perceived effectiveness of the TAs. One hundred percent of the enrolled students either strongly agreed or agreed to the following: 1) the senior dental and DH students contributed to their learning in the course; 2) the senior dental students were interested and willing to help; 3) the DH students were prepared for each lab session; and 4) the quizzes prepared and graded by the TAs covered the appropriate material. A student provided the following comments concerning the TAs. “ They were a great help. It is good to get guidance and input from different aspects to better understand the material covered.” The teaching assistants (N=4) were given a Likert-like survey regarding their perceived effectiveness as teachers in the course. One hundred percent of the TAs either strongly agreed or agreed that they were used effectively as a teaching assistant, they felt prepared for the daily activities and they contributed to student learning.
*Heidi Philley, RDH The program purpose is to expand access to dental health education. In Central New York, there is a need to find alternative ways to raise dental health awareness among the young and their families. I am the coordinator of the Oneida - Madison County Dental Coalition, which fulfills the objectives of a preventive dentistry grant for high risk children. One objective is to educate children/families about the importance of good dental habits. The Coalition partnered with the Mohawk Valley Dental Hygienists' Association (MVDHA) and with the Mid-York Library System to develop "Dental Health Story Boxes". Each story box includes: books about teeth & dental visits, a puppet & tooth brush and a resource book with activity sheets. The library system sends out periodic broadcasts to the 44 public libraries, with information about the "Dental Health Story Boxes". The libraries request the boxes for interested individuals. Anyone can feel confident of a successful program using the outline and contents of the Dental Health Story Box. Evaluation is done by the individuals at the 44 libraries, using this educational tool, and they are reviewed regularly. The evaluation form asks for; numbers and age group, comments on books, resource materials and puppet. There has been positve response from those using the story box (an evaluation sheet is included) each time the box goes out. This year it has gone out over 120 times. Dental hygienists have reviewed the Dental Health Story Box (with favor) at the local and state level. Many have requested information on how to duplicate it in their area. There is dental health education sustainability, in having a Dental Health Story Box available for the public library. MVDHA has oversight on the project and plans to keep it in good running order and evaluate the project on a yearly basis.
Constance Gore, CDA, BS Traditionally, the education of dental assistants, dental hygienists and general dentistry residents is done in separate clinic areas and in separate curriculums. There is limited or no interaction between the disciplines. In contrast, dental assistants, dental hygienists, and dentists are expected to work in a cohesive and efficient manner upon graduation. Recognizing the problem, the dental assisting and dental hygiene programs, in collaboration with the general dentistry residency, built a facility designed to integrate the three programs for didactic and clinical education. The students are educated in the team concept of providing patient care. The clinic facility is modeled on a private practice office with a common reception area; the hygiene treatment area is immediately adjacent to the resident operatories. Assisting students are utilized in the hygiene and resident operatories. Each hygiene student, assisting student, and resident are grouped into a treatment team. Patient treatment is planned and coordinated by the team with faculty supervision. Responsibilities of the hygiene student include the patient’s initial periodontal therapy, oral hygiene instruction, postsurgical management, and post-care maintenance. The dental assisting student provides chairside assisting, for the hygiene student and the resident, schedules appointments, and monitors the patient’s progress through treatment. The resident is team leader and responsible for providing patient treatment and monitoring the hygiene and assisting students. Meetings provide the members and the supervising faculty the opportunity to review the patient’s progress. All team members participate in case presentation seminars. This collaborative program is a work in progress to determine the educational value of having dental hygiene, dental assisting, and general dentistry train together in preparation for the team concept of providing care Evaluation of the program will be done through conventional assessment processes to include: review of national and clinical board exam scores to compare student scores to other dental hygiene and dental assisting schools, the review of graduate student and employer surveys to determine if students are judged better prepared to enter the workforce.
Joan O'Connell, PhD Dental sealants have been shown to be effective in preventing caries in permanent molars, and targeting schools for sealants based on Free/Reduced lunch participation has been shown to be cost-effective. Estimating the cost, including personnel, portable units and disposable supplies, to meet the Healthy People 2010 objective for sealants in Colorado was undertaken. This information would be used to provide state policy makers with information to set priorities for oral health prevention strategies. Utilizing data from the Colorado Chopper Topper school-based sealant program, serving the five-county Metro Denver Area, the average program costs were determined. The Chopper Topper program is estimated to serve 32% of eligible schools and 1,500 children in the target area yearly. In 2002, the prevalence of dental sealants in first permanent molars among third graders in Colorado was determined using a convenience sample of 19 counties and estimating the prevalence of sealants statewide. 29% of third graders were found to have at least one sealant, significantly less than the desired Healthy People 2010 objective and Maternal Child Health National Oral Health performance measure. Taking this data, overall dental utilization rates and restoration sequelae over a lifetime obtained from Delta Dental Plan of Colorado, and societal costs of lost productivity, the cost savings of averted caries through the expansion of the Chopper Topper Sealant Program, by initiating similar programs throughout the state, was projected. The results indicate that the state could easily be divided up into target regions, served by teams of dental hygienists who would, in most cases, share portable dental units, and serve second-grade children in all 276 eligible elementary schools. If all targeted schools agreed to participate and 85% of children received sealants, the percentage of Colorado third graders with at least one sealant would exceed the Healthy People 2010 Objective of fifty percent.
Meredith Bailey, BS Purpose: To determine oral cancer
*W. Gail Barnes, RDH, PhD The purpose of this study was to ascertain the career plans of dental hygiene seniors enrolled in a small program in the southeast. The last journal article you read could alter your opinion of a dental hygiene shortage. Is there a shortage or do dental hygiene students have career aspirations other than working in a general dental office? To determine the career aspirations of senior dental hygiene students, a survey was developed and administered to Summer 2003 registrants (N=26) via a course’s Assessment section of a Blackboard site. The survey consisted of 16 items, qualitative open-ended questions and closed-ended questions. The data sample consisted of 16 usable responses (62% response rate). Students were instructed to logon to the Blackboard site and complete the survey. Blackboard provided an analysis for the survey which included the mean and a list of the qualitative responses. The results indicated that the students’ 5-10 year career plans after graduation were to “work in a private/group dental practice” (88%), become “employed as a dental sales representative” (38%), and a tie existed with becoming an “educator in a dental hygiene program” and “other”. The qualitative response for “other” category included working as a volunteer with a mission agency and earning a dental degree. Only 25% of the respondents planned to pursue another degree after graduation. Of those mentioned, the most prevalent degree was a masters degree (44%). Sixty-three percent of the respondents indicated that they would consider a Dental Hygiene Masters Online degree program. However, only 13% stated they would “not consider an online masters program.” Their qualitative response indicated that they did not feel “you get the attention needed to succeed in the program.” According to the result of the present study, the Class of 2004 at this southeastern dental hygiene program aspires to work in the traditional dental setting. Unfortunately, so few aspire to further their education to become dental hygiene educators which is a profession that is truly experiencing a paucity of qualified applicants.
*Chris French Beatty, RDH, PhD
*Bridget M. Boyce, BSDH, MSPA, MSDH Christina
B. DeBiase, BSDH, MA, EdD Nancy L. Adams, MSN, PhD Currently, little knowledge exists about the extent to which: (1) nursing home residents perceive their oral health care as being adequate, (2) nursing home residents’ perceptions and actual oral health status are congruent, and (3) oral health care outcomes and residents’ perceptions of their own oral health care are influenced by levels of physical functioning. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the oral health practices and perceptions of oral health care among cognitively intact nursing home residents. IRB approval was obtained and the use of a modified, one-shot case study design*, a 20-question resident interview and a 10-category oral health care evaluation were utilized in three encounters with the accepting sample of 10 West Virginia nursing home residents. The interview identified each participant’s current and past oral health care practices, perceptions about their current oral practices, and levels of need/functioning in the nursing home. The evaluation assessed the current oral health status of the participants. A WV licensed dentist was present during the evaluations. All participants (n = 10) completed the assessments. Data analyses, including percentages, frequencies, and measures of dispersion, were conducted using the JMP program version 3. Conclusions that may be drawn from this study include: 1) study participants who are dependent on the nursing home staff for oral health care needs are most likely to receive oral health care, 2) the quality of oral health care performed by the nursing home staff or resident is lower than the current oral health care standards and recommendations, and 3) study participants’ barriers for oral health care were commonly influenced by their physical functioning. *A modified, one-shot case study is a descriptive analysis of a particular group of individuals within one setting that reflects moderation, apparent in this study by three discrete visits to the participating nursing home.
*Susan L. Dougherty, RDH, MS One of the latest trends in ornamental body piercing focuses on the oral cavity, with the most common oral piercing site being the tongue. It is imperative that health professionals are aware of the increasing occurrence of oral piercing and its health implications. At the present time, literature on the incidence of oral complications associated with the wearing of a tongue stud has focused on clinically observable complications such as infection, fractured teeth, damaged gingival tissue, increased salivary flow, and negative affects on speech, mastication and swallowing. In addition, oral health professionals are reporting the incidence of radiographically detectable alveolar bone abnormalities surrounding the mandibular anterior teeth associated with the wearing of a tongue stud. These preliminary findings appear as case study reports. The purpose of this research study was to assess the supporting alveolar bone adjacent to the mandibular anterior teeth of individuals wearing a tongue stud to determine the frequency and extent of bone abnormalities (IRB approved). With the use of convenience sampling, periapical radiographs were taken of the mandibular anterior teeth of individuals wearing a tongue stud and compared to radiographs of individuals who have never worn a tongue stud (n=46). Additionally, a self-report questionnaire was used to gather additional information regarding demographics and specific questions related to their piercing. Blind evaluation of the radiographs was conducted by a periodontist. Statistical analysis of data, using Excel®, presented descriptive and correlational statistics as well as the independent samples t-test statistic. With an alpha level of .05, a one-tailed t-test indicated a significant difference between the two groups, t(44) = 1.902, p=.0319. However, the correlation coefficient comparing length of time to presence of alveolar bone abnormalities was 0.216 indicating a weak relationship between amount of time that the tongue stud has been worn and development of abnormalities in the alveolar bone. These findings indicate that individuals wearing a tongue stud for any length of time are at risk for development of alveolar bone abnormalities surrounding the mandibular anterior teeth.
*Marji J. Harmer-Beem RDH, MS Purpose: To identify common herbal medicines used and determine the prevalence of usage among adults attending an urban dental hygiene clinic. Problem: There has been a rapid increase in the nation-wide use of non-regulated, readily available, herbal alternative medicines. Patients do consider these remedies therapeutic but not in the same class as prescription medications. Some herbal medicines show an unfavorable risk-benefit profile, such as bleeding and immunosuppression. Previous studies have shown that patients do not consult their physician prior to, or during herbal medicine consumption. Dental hygienists should understand and inquire about usage of herbal medicines. Methodology: Exempt review was sought and obtained from the Institutional Review Board for the Protection of Human Subjects. A records review was conducted for one academic year to determine usage and prevalence of herbal/alternative medicines. Selection criteria included a consecutive sample of all adults 18 years of age and older (n=1694) from an urban dental hygiene clinic. The sample was taken for two uninterrupted semesters. Results: Descriptive statistics were used to analyze results for frequency. Of the patients interviewed for prescription, OTC, and herbal/alternative medication, a subset (n=134) of 8% reported use of herbal/alternative medicines. This compares to studies reporting national surveys at 9.6%. Results from literature reports range between 4.8% and 13%. Sixteen herbal alternative medicines were identified as commonly consumed in this study. Echinacea, glucosamine, garlic, gingko, ginseng, and brewers yeast were identified as the top six used. Conclusion: People do use herbal medications some of which can have dental implications. This study shows usage to be consistently prevalent when correlated with other studies. Dental hygienists need to be vigilant when interviewing for herbal/alternative medication use for safe practice.
*Cassandra B. Holder-Ballard, RDH, MPA Health care educational programs are being urged to produce culturally competent health care providers to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse US population. The purpose of this study was to first compare the cross-cultural adaptability of first and second year dental hygiene students to their faculty; and secondly evaluate the influence of five demographic variables (age, race, marital/family status, place of residence, and growing-up in an ethnically diverse community) on cross-cultural adaptability. The Cross-Cultural Adaptability Inventory (CCAI) measures: emotional resilience, flexibility/openness, perceptual acuity, and personal autonomy. A demographic survey and the CCAI was administered to dental hygiene students (N=62) and their faculty (N=16) at a baccalaureate-degree program located in the southeast United States. One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze the data using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Both the CCAI composite score and the four individual research dimension scores were used as dependent variables. No statistically significant differences were found in the CCAI composite scores between dental hygiene students (juniors or seniors) and faculty. However, an analysis of the four research dimension scores found that the groups (Jr. DH students, Sr. DH students, and faculty) differed in two areas; first, “flexibility and openness” (Jr. DH:64.94, Sr. DH: 65.93, and faculty: 70.75). Faculty scored significantly higher than DH juniors in this area, p =.036. A significant difference was also found in the area of “personal autonomy” (Jr. DH: 35.36, Sr. DH: 32.76, and faculty: 34.06) DH juniors scored significantly higher than senior DH students, p =.015. Analysis of the demographic factors found a significant difference in the CCAI composite scores of marital/family status (p < .002). Individuals partnered without children (M=245) scored higher in this sample than those single without children (M=231) and those partnered with children (M=218). In this sample differences were found in the CCAI scores between students and faculty; and marital/family status appeared to be the most significant demographic factor.
*Christine C. Hawn BSDH The purpose of this study was to determine differences in range of wrist movements and scaling time efficiency in dental hygienists that use a rotating ultrasonic insert as compared to those who use a standard universal insert. A convenience sample of 30 consenting experienced dental hygienists who met inclusion criteria was invited to participate. Using a crossover research design, each experimental subject used the rotating ultrasonic scaling insert to remove 2cc artificial calculus from a typodont in a controlled, simulated clinical situation for up to 15 minutes. While scaling, each subject wore the WristSensorÔ goniometry gloves (Greenleaf Medical Systems, Palo Alto, California), which determined changes in wrist movements (flexion and extension and ulnar and radial deviations). Following a 15-minute rest period, each subject followed the same procedure using the standard universal ultrasonic scaling insert. Scaling time efficiency was determined using a Modified Volpe-Manhold calculus index. Data analysis using a paired t-test (p=. 05) revealed no statistically significant differences in wrist movements and scaling time efficiency between subjects using the two different inserts. A multivariate analysis of variance revealed no statistically significant differences in the percentage of time dental hygienists were in high, medium, or low risk posture categories, as measured by the Greenleaf WristSensor™ goniometry gloves when using the rotating ultrasonic insert compared to the standard universal insert. Based on the results of this laboratory study, dental hygienists using a rotating ultrasonic insert experience no ergonomic advantage in terms of wrist postures or timesavings over a standard insert.
*Mark G. Kacerik, RDH, MS Dental hygiene ethics is an essential component of the dental hygiene curriculum. The accreditation standards for dental hygiene education programs require programs to ensure that graduates be competent in applying ethical concepts to the provision and or support of oral health care services. Although the standards for entry into the profession of dental hygiene emphasize the importance of ethical reasoning there is little published research specific to ethics instruction in dental hygiene programs. The purpose of this study is to determine how ethics is taught in the dental hygiene curriculum to meet the accreditation standards for dental hygiene education programs. A 17-item survey was designed and distributed to 261 accredited dental hygiene programs in the United States with a response rate of 56% (N=147). Results of the survey reflect that the majority of dental hygiene programs (43%) devote 11-20 hours to didactic instruction with an overall mean of 20.3 hours. With regard to the clinical component of the curriculum 63% of respondents indicated that 10 or less hours are devoted to ethics instruction. These results show an increase in didactic hours of instruction from previous studies where the mean hours of instruction ranged from 7.0 to 11.7 hours.1 Results showed 64% of respondents offered a separate course in ethics however, 82% of programs surveyed indicated that ethics is incorporated into one or more dental hygiene courses with 98% utilizing dental hygiene faculty to provide instruction. Most programs utilized a variety of instructional methods to teach ethics with the majority employing class discussion and lecture, 99% and 97% respectively. The level of emphasis placed on ethical concepts in the didactic component varied with 80% of respondents placing very high emphasis on ethical behavior and professional responsibility to the client and 28% placing very high emphasis on scientific investigation/research. Although the number of hours devoted to ethics instruction has increased, 43% of respondents indicated that they would like to see more emphasis placed on ethics in the program with which they are affiliated.
*Debralee M. Nelson, RDH, MA Obtaining vital signs for patients is considered standard of care, yet many dental offices do not routinely perform this health service. Automatic blood pressure monitors may provide a faster, less technique-sensitive way to obtain vital statistics. The mercury column manometer, the control in this study, has long been considered the most accurate and preferred instrument for obtaining blood pressure measurements. During this study, 100 participants (19 years of age and older) consented to having blood pressure taken by four different monitors. These include the mercury column manometer and stethoscope, the aneroid manometer and stethoscope, the automatic arm blood pressure monitor, and the automatic wrist blood pressure monitor. Each of three investigators was assigned to and calibrated for a specific monitoring device. Strict adherence to the manufacturers’ directions and patient preparation was followed for all monitors. Investigators were not aware of readings obtained by other investigators during testing. Eighty-nine subjects completed all tests. Preliminary review and analysis of data indicates little difference for pulse readings between the automated and digital methods. However, a significant difference was found in the systolic readings recorded with the automated arm manometer, and the diastolic readings with the automated wrist unit. This study demonstrates there is inaccuracy in the use of automated blood pressure monitors and traditional aneroid manometers, when compared to the gold standard mercury column manometer, when subjects of all ages and blood pressure ranges are included. Further statistical analysis is expected to indicate these differences will more commonly occur for elderly participants
*Danielle L. Ryan, BSDH, MS The purpose of this study was to determine if tactile sensitivity varies in dental hygiene students who use the ultrasonic scaler as compared to those who scale with hand-activated instruments. After IRB approval, a two-group, randomized subjects, pretest-posttest design was carried out mid semester for five weeks on a convenience sample of 40 first year dental hygiene students who met the inclusion criteria of this study and who agreed to participate. Since it was not part of a graded course, interested students signed up for a date and time that was convenient for them to participate. Consenting, first year dental hygiene students were then randomly assigned to one of two groups (experimental or control). After establishing a baseline tactile sensitivity score with the Vibratory Sensory Analyzer (VSA), experimental group subjects used the ultrasonic scaler to remove 4cc’s of artificial calculus from a typodont in a controlled, simulated clinical setting for 45-minutes while each control subject manually scaled 4cc’s of artificial calculus on a typodont in a controlled, simulated situation for 45-minutes. Tactile sensitivity scores were obtained using the VSA immediately following exposure to either the ultrasonic scaler or hand-activated scaling instruments. Analysis of variance with one repeated measures factor was used to determine between group and within group differences on the pretest and post-test tactile sensitivity scores. Results revealed that following a 45-minute scaling session with the ultrasonic scaler, tactile sensitivity increased. Pre to post-test changes in tactile sensitivity for the ultrasonic scaling group exhibited a much larger threshold as compared to those in the hand-activated scaling group, supporting a gain in students’ level of sensitivity with stimulus (vibration). Tactile sensitivity decreased in those who used hand-activated scaling instruments. The thumb, index and middle fingers of students in both groups showed similarities in tactile sensitivity, with the index finger being the most sensitive. Tactile sensitivity decreases with hand-activated scaling and increases with ultrasonic scaling over a 45-minute period. Short term vibration exposure from the ultrasonic scaler is insufficient to negatively affect tactile sensitivity. FLUID CONSUMPTION CHOICES OF ADOLESCENTS ATTENDING A NATIONAL YOUTH SPORTS PROGRAM *Donal D. Scheidel, DDS Adolescent dietary choices have a significant impact on growth and development and the individual's overall general health. A voluntary survey was administered to 227 10-16 year olds (120 boys and 107 girls) attending an NYSP summer session in Vermillion, South Dakota to evaluate their daily fluid consumption choices. The adolescents were questioned regarding their daily consumption of soda, sports drinks, bottled water, tap water, milk and juice utilizing a look-back survey instrument. This data represents the combined responses of boys and girls in all age groups. Of the respondents, 55.5% stated they had consumed at least one can/bottle of sugared soda daily and 17.6% admitted to drinking at least 2-3 cans/bottles of soda daily. 33.9% stated they consume at least one sports drink daily with 24.2% indicating they don’t drink sports drinks. 48.4% of the survey participants indicated they drank at least 2 bottles of water daily reflecting a shift from fluoridated tap water. Of the adolescents surveyed, 61.2% responded they drank 2 glasses of milk or less daily. Finally, 70.9% of the respondents admitted drinking at least one glass of juice daily. The results of this research illustrate the fluid consumption choices made by the children/adolescents participating in our survey including the consumption of significant amounts simple carbohydrates in the form of sugared soda, sports drinks and juices. A great number of respondents aren’t consuming the recommended three glasses of milk daily increasing the possibility of developing a calcium deficiency. Finally, the survey group is increasingly consuming non-fluoridated bottled water in place of fluoridated tap water. This research identifies some of the contributory factors of childhood obesity, adolescent osteoporosis, and the continuing problem of dental decay in this population.
*Eva M. Lupovici, RDH, MS A collaboration was established between a PG Periodontics and DH Programs to provide interchange between second year dental hygiene students and PG Periodntics residents in the management of periodontal maintenance (PM) care to patients of the Program. Residents scheduled the initial appointment of their patients, while subsequent recall appointments were scheduled by the DH students. A resident assigned to each of the clinic sessions where DH students provided care, and evaluated the examination, diagnosis, and therapy of each patient, whether their own patient or the patient of other residents. Questionnaires were developed and administered to the 28 participating students to assess the collaboration. Results indicated that 36% of the residents had no previous knowledge of the utilization of DH in PM, while DH students were very and somewhat knowledgeable (29% & 71% respectively,) and 43% of residents had no previous experience working with a DH. All residents found DH students very or mostly valuable in PM provided to their patients (86% & 14% respectively)m abd 93% stated that the collabortation allowed them to maximize their time in clinic to provide other treatment to their patients. All the residents responded that the collaboration should continue, and based on these experiences would hire a DH for their periodontal private practice in the future. All the DH students responded that the collaboration should continue since it allowed a forum for the application of didactic information, and opportunity to continue developing competence in care of periodontal patients. Based on these experiences, 92% of DH students would seek a private practice DH position in periodontal specialty office. Conclusion: The assessment of the collaboration indicated that is was beneficial both to the PG Periodontics residents and DH students. The interaction provided the residents the opportunity to learn about utilization of the DH in a simulated private practice setting, while DH students continued to develop competence in monitoring periodontal patients, it also provided an opportunity for both to nurture interpersonal skills as periodontal co-therapists.
*Carolyn H. Ray, RDH, MEd
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