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The author stresses the need to improve the oral health literacy and overall oral health of the patient. She discusses the role of dental hygienists in providing oral health information, the definition of personal health literacy, and examples of the importance of increasing oral health literacy. She also notes the importance of courses in health literacy and communication.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine dental hygiene students' perspectives regarding their knowledge and understanding about caries prevention strategies and their intention to use these regimens in clinical practice. Dental hygienists' knowledge and understanding of caries prevention is critical because they are the primary providers of these regimens and the relevant education. Methods This 2019 national cross-sectional online survey was designed by the University of Maryland (UMD), structured by the ADA staff for online administration, distributed and collected by the American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) to 9533 email addresses, and de-identified response data were analyzed by UMD. The survey included questions on three caries preventive regimens: fluoride varnish, dental sealants, and silver diamine fluoride (SDF), and items on community water fluoridation (CWF), respondent's demographics and intent to use the regimens. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics and analysis of variance. Significance was set at p<0.05. Results Of the 235 surveys returned (response rate 2.5%) the majority were female, White and born in the United States. Over half were in associate degree programs; nearly a third were in baccalaureate programs. Respondents reported greater knowledge/understanding and intention to use fluoride varnish and dental sealants than SDF. Less than half (44.7%) reported knowledge/ understanding of SDF and only 22.6% had a high level of confidence regarding applying it. Additionally, only 31.1% indicated they were extremely likely to use SDF upon graduation. Conclusions To reduce the prevalence of caries, dental hygiene graduates must be well-versed with the latest science-based preventive procedures, including non-invasive caries prevention and control therapies. The results of this survey, albeit non representative of the general population of dental hygiene students, suggest a need for a more extensive review of the caries preventive regimen content, especially for silver diamine fluoride, of dental hygiene curricular programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The objective of this qualitative pilot study was to gain an in-depth understanding of dental hygienists and dentists perspectives regarding children's oral health and what needs to be done to prevent early childhood caries (ECC), the most frequent chronic disease of childhood. Methods: A skilled facilitator conducted four focus groups and four phone interviews with 20 dental hygienists and 17 dentists practicing in a variety of locations within the state of Maryland. The interview guide was based on results from previous state-wide surveys of dental hygienists and dentists. Sessions were recorded, transcribed, and reviewed by the PI and facilitator. Qualitative content analysis was used to identify and manually code themes. Results: Focus groups and interviews provided rich and insightful information for strategies to help solve the ECC problem in Maryland, which supplemented the earlier quantitative mail survey data. Three key themes emerged: challenges to preventing ECC among low-income families; necessary educational methods and practices; and, the need for inter-professional collaboration. Discussions focused on issues related to educating parents with low oral health literacy about how to prevent ECC and the value of including non-dental health care providers, such as pediatricians and school nurses, in the caries prevention process. Conclusions: Current approaches to educating low-income adults about caries prevention are insufficient to prevent ECC and dental care providers cannot accomplish this goal alone. Ensuring that all dental care providers have a science-based understanding of caries prevention is critical. Integrating science-based oral health preventive care into medical and nursing undergraduate programs could increase providers' knowledge and confidence towards incorporating oral health into patient care plans; improve the oral health literacy of providers and patients; and improve patient oral health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine dental hygienists' use of recommended techniques to communicate science- based information for intervention and prevention of oral disease. Methods: A 30-item survey containing 18 communication techniques representing 5 domains including 7 basic skills were mailed to a random sample of 1,258 Maryland dental hygienists to determine their use of recommended communication techniques. Results: The response rate was 43% (n=540). Nearly all were females (98%) and 58% practiced in solo settings. About half of respondents used 6 of the 18 techniques routinely. Approximately three-quarters of respondents reported they rarely or never used 3 of the 7 basic recommended techniques. Only one basic technique (use of simple language) was used by over 90%. Respondents who had taken a communications course other than in dental hygiene school were significantly more likely to use communication techniques on a routine basis than those who had not (p<0.01). Conclusion: Dental hygienists and their patients would benefit from using the recommended communication tools and techniques to address individual patient needs. To improve oral health outcomes, dental hygiene education must strengthen health literacy knowledge and communication skills in dental hygiene education programs and through continuing education courses for practicing hygienists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess Maryland dental hygienists' knowledge, practices and opinions regarding dental caries prevention and early detection. Methods: A 30 item survey was mailed to 1,258 Maryland dental hygienists. Two follow-up mailings and email reminders were sent. Results: The response rate was 43% (n=540). Nearly all respondents were female (98%), and 58% practiced in solo settings. Knowledge and certainty of knowledge were moderate: sealants are needed regardless of topical fluoride use (55% certain, 40% less certain), newly erupted permanent molars are the best candidates for sealants (54%, 36%) and professionally applied fluorides are desirable in areas without fluoridated water (55%, 36%). Fewer were certain that incipient lesions can be remineralized before cavitation (23%, 69%), and dilute, frequently administered fluorides are more effective in caries prevention than concentrated, less frequently administered fluorides (6%, 24%). Opinions regarding effectiveness of protocols for 2 age groups from 6 months to 6 years, the challenges of early childhood caries (ECC), prevention practices regarding sealant and topical fluoride applications varied widely. Eighty-nine percent reported routinely assessing dental caries risk factors of child patients and 90% were interested in continuing education courses. There were no significant differences between different types of practice settings, year of graduation, race/ethnicity or gender. Conclusion: Knowledge of recommended guidelines for fluoride and sealant application support clinical decision-making and self-care counseling. Misinformation and lack of understanding of current research and recommendations identify a need for educational interventions in undergraduate dental hygiene programs and through continuing education for practicing hygienists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on dental hygienists' awareness and opinions of oral cancer, oral cancer examinations, and related factors. Qualitative study that is a supplement to a previous survey of Maryland dental hygienists; Focus group method; Six themes that emerged from the focus groups.

Determines the views of oral hygienists on practices related to oral and pharyngeal cancer risk assessment in the United States. Diagnosis of oral and pharyngeal cancer; Variation of cancer survival rates by stage of diagnosis; Development of chronic pain, loss of function and irreparable facial and oral disfigurement.

The article presents information on a workshop which was held during the second North American Global Dental Hygiene Research Conference, which was held in Bethesda, Maryland on October 20-22, 2011, and was designed to build dental hygiene researchers’ confidence and skills for effectively using qualitative research methodologies, particularly focus groups and interviews, for oral health care research. The event was attended by several dental hygiene researchers.

The article focuses on the role of health literacy in reducing health disparities. Studies in medicine have shown that patients with low health literacy use hospital emergency services and have less knowledge of disease management. The major causes of chronic diseases are life-style behaviors like having a poor diet and using tobacco. Some strategies for progress are stated which include teaching communication skills among students and effectiveness of counseling by dental providers.

Examines the assessment made on the risk behaviors for oral cancer by the dental hygienists in Maryland. Reference to the Maryland Oral Cancer Survey of Dental Hygienists; Prevalence of oral cancer on tobacco and alcohol users; Need of providing a complete and accurate information in tobacco and alcohol educational programs.

The article examines the significant of oral health literacy for individuals who are capable to obtain, process and understand basic health information and services to prevent or treat illness. It explores the significant relationship respect between the citizen and the caregiver to understand the needs of the patients. Also emphasized is the association of health literacy with other health and health care improvement priorities.

Purpose: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) has been identified as a causal agent for oropharyngeal cancers, suggesting a new role for dental hygienists in HPV-related cancer prevention strategies. Health literacy assessment is an approach that can be used to understand providers' informational assets and needs for educating and discussing HPV prevention with patients. This study aimed to understand dental hygienists' level of health literacy regarding HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers. Methods: Four focus group sessions with dental hygienists (n=48) were conducted at a national conference. The constant comparison method, with a priori codes for health literacy competencies (i.e., access/understand/appraise/apply), was utilized for this qualitative study. Results: Participants mentioned a variety of modes (e.g., magazines, journals) for accessing HPV- information; however, descriptions of understanding HPV and its relationship to oropharyngeal cancer varied. Participants considered patients' personal characteristics, the dental practice environment, and professional factors to appraise HPV-related information. Additionally, participants self-described themselves as being "prevention specialists." These factors influenced how dental hygienists applied primary and secondary prevention of HPV-related care issues with their patients (e.g., education and oral-cancer screenings). Conclusions: Dental hygienists recognized the importance of HPV and oropharyngeal cancer prevention efforts, including oral-cancer screenings and promotion of the HPV vaccine. The study findings identified opportunities for intervention focusing on primary prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]