Common Sampling Errors in Research Studies.

Proper sample selection is based on the study purpose, research question(s), and study design. Investigators must use care to select a sample population that is representative of the source and target populations. Well-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria serve as guidance when screening potential candidates for eligibility for participation in a study.

Training Dental Hygiene Students to Care for Patients with Disabilities.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of a novel training program on dental hygiene students' knowledge, attitudes and beliefs about caring for individuals with disabilities. A mixed methods approach was used. Students from five dental hygiene programs based at community colleges completed a two-hour didactic training session to supplement their existing special care dentistry coursework.

100 Years of Dental Hygiene Research: Progress and possibilities.

During the last century, the role of dental hygienists as leaders in the recognition, prevention, and treatment of oral diseases has grown, reflecting the ever-evolving knowledge base of the profession. The American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) has contributed to and supported research that has formulated the scientific basis for the profession to inform education and practice. Progress has been made across multiple priority areas identified on the National Dental Hygiene Research Agenda, including educational research examining the impact of curriculum models on teaching and learning; health services research projects documenting workforce issues and cost-effectiveness of practice models; and public health initiatives expanding access to care to provide oral health care services for diverse patient populations.

Training dental hygiene students to care for patients with disabilities.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of a novel training programme on dental hygiene students' knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about caring for individuals with disabilities.

Methods: A mixed methods approach was used. Students from five dental hygiene programmes based at community colleges completed a two-hour didactic training session to supplement their existing special care dentistry coursework.

Sampling Methods: A guide for researchers.

Sampling is a critical element of research design. Different methods can be used for sample selection to ensure that members of the study population reflect both the source and target populations, including probability and non-probability sampling. Power and sample size are used to determine the number of subjects needed to answer the research question.

Dental professionals' knowledge, attitudes, and practice behaviors related to human papillomavirus vaccination.

Objectives: In Arizona, human papillomavirus (HPV)-related cancers are declining, with the exception of oropharyngeal cancer (OPC). HPV-related OPC is largely caused by persistent infection with oncogenic HPV strains, many of which the 9-valent HPV vaccine offers protection. Little is known about dental professionals' willingness to promote the HPV vaccine to prevent OPC.

Impact of Operator Positioning on Musculoskeletal Disorders and Work Habits Among Mississippi Dental Hygienists.

The purpose of this study was to assess impact of operator positioning on the development of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and workforce issues among practicing dental hygienists in the state of Mississippi. The sample consisted of all dental hygienists (n=1,553) licensed in the state of Mississippi. A modified 47 item, online version of the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire was used to document the following: types of MSDs, practice history, operator positioning, ergonomic work habits and the impact of MSDs on workforce issues.

A Dental Radiography Checklist as a Tool for Quality Improvement.

A checklist intervention was applied to the dental radiographic acquisition process to determine its effectiveness in improving the diagnostic value of bitewing images and reducing patient exposure to unnecessary radiation. A mixed-method, nonrandomized research design using two dental hygiene program cohorts (n=33) as control and intervention groups was used to assess the effect of a radiographic checklist on the number and type of radiographic imaging errors. The relationship between perceived value of the checklist and willingness to continue its use was examined and analyzed using descriptive statistics.

High-Tech Hygiene: Technologies Making a Difference in Oral Care.

Technology has greatly influenced all phases of the dental hygiene process of care. Chairside diagnostic tools and self-monitoring devices improve early detection of lesions and previously undetected oral/systemic diseases, facilitate assessment of systemic health status, and support patient engagement in self-care. Collectively, improved patient assessment reduces risks for medical emergencies and promotes patient safety.

The Doctoral Degree in Dental Hygiene: Creating New Oral Healthcare Paradigms.

Unlabelled: Doctoral dental hygiene education would prepare scholars and leaders to improve population health through changes in oral health policy and delivery.

Background: Discussions about doctoral education in dental hygiene have centered on the need to create a cadre of dental hygiene researchers and scholars who will expand the body of knowledge for the profession. It has been proposed that scholars are needed to lead the development of theory and disseminate knowledge unique to the discipline of dental hygiene.

A Comprehensive Oral Preventive Care Protocol for Caring for the Renal Transplant Population.

Candidates and recipients of kidney transplants are at high risk for oral infections due to systemic co-morbidities, and disease and drug-induced immunosuppression. Developing oral infections while on the waiting list can jeopardize candidacy for receiving a kidney, and post-operatively increases the chance for organ rejection. Therefore, it is imperative to minimize oral disease risks in this population.

Oral surgery in a patient with cirrhosis and thrombocytopenia: a case report.

Purpose: While most oral surgical procedures can be safely performed in an outpatient setting, certain medical conditions may present a higher chance of postoperative complications. In particular, those predisposing the patient to bleeding abnormalities pose a potential risk when performing such treatments. The authors report a case involving full-mouth extractions in a patient with cirrhosis and thrombocytopenia after obtaining a platelet transfusion.

A survey of attitudes, behaviors, and needs of team dentists.

Elite athletes strive to attain superior levels of health and fitness; however, many have high levels of oral disease. Oral screenings detect disease and need for treatment and identify opportunities for preventive interventions. Many dentists volunteer their time with sports organizations, but their scope of practice and needs are unknown.

Risk management strategies for reducing oral adverse drug events.

Unlabelled: Oral adverse drug effects negatively impact oral health, comfort and function.

Background: Patients treated in the oral health care environment take multiple medications, many of which cause oral complications. Dental professionals are challenged with making recommendations to prevent or minimize drug-induced oral disease risks, while reducing symptoms to improve oral health quality of life.

Advancing the profession through doctoral education.

Doctoral education in dental hygiene is necessary to create a cadre of dental hygiene researchers and scholars, and to develop educators who will expand the body of knowledge for the profession. Dental hygienists with advanced degrees will require skill sets that parallel those of other professionals if they are to function productively as credible, equal members of interprofessional teams. Doctorally-prepared dental hygienists will be working as leaders, administrators and researchers, and will be influential in creating models that increase access to care, developing collaborative health care teams and improving health outcomes.

A Delphi study to update the American Dental Hygienists' National Dental Hygiene Research Agenda.

Objective: The American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) National Dental Hygiene Research Agenda (NDHRA) is a working document that guides research efforts of the dental hygiene profession. The purpose of this study was to update the NDHRA to reflect current research priorities aimed at meeting national health objectives and to systematically advance dental hygiene's unique body of knowledge.

Methods: Forty-nine dental hygiene experts and key opinion leaders representing all domains of the profession, participated in the Delphi study to update and gain consensus on the NDHRA.