Degree Name
MSAH (Master of Science in Allied Health)
Program
Allied Health
Date of Award
5-2022
Committee Chair or Co-Chairs
Deborah Dotson
Committee Members
Randy Byington, Landon Shields
Abstract
Oral health is strongly correlated to systemic health in the United States. Dental professionals play a significant role in addressing the oral health and prevention of disease for populations in the United States. Because many areas in the United States lack access to dental care, the federal government considers dental hygienists part of the solution. It is now paying attention to restrictive dental hygiene scope of practice rules in each state. State dental boards, comprised mainly of dentists, make these rules based on their perception of dental hygienists' lack of education. This study explored fourth-year dental students' perceptions of the dental hygienist's education and scope of practice. This research found that while dental students felt that the dental hygienist would be a positive addition to their future practices, they did not wholly understand the rigors of dental hygiene education. In addition, dental schools may need to educate on the differences between direct and general supervision.
Document Type
Thesis - unrestricted
Recommended Citation
Metzger, Cynthia, "Dental Students' Perceptions of Dental Hygienists' Education and Scope of Practice" (2022). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 4031. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/4031
Copyright
Copyright by the authors.
Included in
Dental Hygiene Commons, Dental Public Health and Education Commons, Other Dentistry Commons