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Polypharmacy and Off-label Drug Use in Dentistry: knowledge, attitudes and practices of California dental hygienists.
- Source :
-
Journal of Dental Hygiene . Jun2018, Vol. 92 Issue 3, p31-39. 9p. 4 Charts. - Publication Year :
- 2018
-
Abstract
- Purpose: This study examined the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of dental hygienists, licensed in the state of California, regarding polypharmacy and off-label drug use for purposes in dentistry. Methods: A cross-sectional design was used to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to off-label drug use and polypharmacy via an online survey tool. The study sample included licensed dental hygienists, who were members of the Long Beach and Tri-County Dental Hygienists' Associations located in Southern California (n=360). Descriptive statistics were used to assess the participant characteristics. ANOVA was used to assess differences in knowledge, attitudes and practices when compared to three key variables: highest academic/professional degree, experience and license type. Results: One hundred seven electronic surveys (n=107) were returned for a 34% response rate. Over half of respondents (53%) held an associates' degree for their license, most (72%) worked in a general dentistry setting and 46% had practiced 15 years or less. Regarding knowledge of polypharmacy and off-label drug use, the results demonstrated very low knowledge, with 25% of the respondents unable to answer any of the knowledge questions correctly. No significant differences in practices related to off-label drugs or polypharmacy were found based on type of licensure, highest degree achieved, or years of experience. However, participants holding a baccalaureate degree or higher were significantly more confident (p =.011) in discussing polypharmacy with patients and colleagues. Conclusion: Participants showed a general low-level of knowledge related to polypharmacy and off-label drug use in dentistry regardless of their level of education, years of experience, or type of dental hygiene licensure; indicating a need for increased pharmacology content in both entry-level dental hygiene programs and continuing education courses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1043254X
- Volume :
- 92
- Issue :
- 3
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Journal of Dental Hygiene
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 131428216