Degree Name

MS (Master of Science)

Program

Allied Health

Date of Award

5-2014

Committee Chair or Co-Chairs

Deborah Dotson

Committee Members

Constance Sharuga,Tabitha Price

Abstract

The proposed dually licensed advanced dental therapy program, a graduate level curriculum created by the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) encompassing both dental hygiene and basic restorative procedures, creates an innovative career path in dental hygiene and increases the standing of the dental hygienist from an auxiliary role to an independent midlevel dental practitioner. Data were gathered via an online anonymous survey tool from Massachusetts registered dental hygienists to assess support of this proposed curriculum by practicing hygienists. Eighty-seven percent of survey respondents are in agreement that the scope of dental hygiene responsibilities should increase with level of education, and that the inclusion of limited restorative procedures should generate independent midlevel dental practitioner status.

Document Type

Thesis - unrestricted

Copyright

Copyright by the authors.

Included in

Dentistry Commons

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