Effects of Ultrasonic Use on Hearing Loss in Dental Hygienists: A matched pairs design study.

Dental professionals are exposed to hazardous noise levels on a daily basis in clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to compare the hearing status of dental hygienists who utilize ultrasonic scalers in the workplace compared to age-matched control participants (non-dental hygienists) who were not exposed to ultrasonic noise. A convenience sample of nineteen dental hygienists (experimental) and nineteen non-dental hygienists (control) was recruited for this study.

The effects of static seated and standing positions on posture in dental hygiene students: a pilot study.

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are highly prevalent among dental hygiene professionals. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate and compare seated and standing postures during simulated dental hygiene practice to determine ergonomic risks associated with each posture.

Methods: A convenience sample of 35 female second-year dental hygiene students with no history of musculoskeletal disorders was enrolled in this IRB-approved study.

Color-Blind Racial Attitudes in Entry-Level Dental Hygiene Students in Virginia.

Subscribing to color-blind racial attitudes may contribute to inequities in the delivery of oral care and affect treatment of diverse patients. The purpose of this study was to survey all entry-level dental hygiene students in one state to determine color-blind racial attitudes. After IRB approval, a convenience sample of 220 dental hygiene students in all entry-level programs in Virginia were invited to participate in this cross-sectional study.

The Effects of Dental Hygiene Instrument Handles on Muscle Activity Production.

The objective of this study was to compare the effects of ten commercially available instrument handle designs' mass and diameter on forearm muscle activity during a simulated periodontal scaling experience. A convenience sample of 25 registered dental hygienists were recruited for this IRB-approved study. Ten commercially available instruments were categorized into four groups based on their masses and diameters: large diameter/light mass, small diameter/light mass, large diameter/heavy mass, and small diameter/heavy mass.

The effects of dental hygiene instrument handles on muscle activity production.

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the effects of 10 commercially available instrument handle designs' mass and diameter on forearm muscle activity during a simulated periodontal scaling experience.

Methods: A convenience sample of 25 registered dental hygienists was recruited for this IRB-approved study. Ten commercially available instruments were categorized into four groups based on their masses and diameters: large diameter/light mass, small diameter/light mass, large diameter/heavy mass and small diameter/heavy mass.

Pinch force generation during scaling by dental professionals: A systematic review.

Objective: The objective of this review was to examine the impact of instrument designs on pinch force generation during scaling by dental professionals.

Methods: Three databases were utilized from September 2019 to November 2021 in addition to hand-searching specific journals and reference lists. Research articles that examined pinch force generation in dental professionals during scaling with manual instruments only were included.

Color-Blind Racial Attitudes in Practicing Dental Hygienists.

Individuals who subscribe to a color-blind racial ideology may not be aware of differences or differential treatment based on race which may be related to racial inequality in the delivery of oral health care. The purpose of this study was to determine color-blind racial attitudes in a convenience sample of clinical dental hygienists. A convenience sample of practicing dental hygienists recruited through social media via snowball sampling was invited to participate in this cross-sectional survey study.

Attitudes of Virginia Dental Hygienists Toward Dental Therapists.

The state of Virginia faces a reported dental health professional shortage affecting approximately half of its residents.The purpose of this study was to assess the opinions and attitudes of dental hygienists in Virginia toward a mid-level dental provider model, dental therapists (DTs), and to determine whether current education level and years of practice affected opinions regarding the education requirements for DTs. A 22-item questionnaire was distributed online to a convenience sample of Virginia dental hygienists (n=910).

Attitudes of Virginia Dentists Toward Dental Therapists: A pilot study.

The purpose of this pilot study was to determine perceptions of Virginia (VA) dentists toward mid-level dental providers, specifically dental therapists (DT), and determine whether membership in the American Dental Association (ADA) membership affected attitudes. A convenience sample of 1208 dentists in the state of VA were invited to participate in an electronic survey. The instrument consisted of 11 Likert type scale questions assessing attitudes toward DTs.

The Prevalence of Burnout Among Entry-Level Dental Hygiene Program Directors.

Workplace burnout in academia is a problem that affects career satisfaction and longevity. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of burnout among entry-level dental hygiene program directors. The Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI) survey was used to determine prevalence of burnout in 325 dental hygiene program directors from across the United States.

Magnification loupes influence on neck and trunk flexion of dental hygienists while scaling-A pilot study.

Objective: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are common in the dental hygiene profession. Awkward postures contribute to MSDs and magnification loupes have been suggested to reduce this risk factor and minimize MSDs.

Methods: After IRB approval, 24 hygienists were enrolled in the study: twelve hygienists wearing loupes with a standard manufacturer determined declination angle (control) and 12 hygienists wearing loupes with a custom measured declination angle (experimental).

The Additive Effects of Cell Phone Use and Dental Hygiene Practice on Finger Muscle Strength: A Pilot Study.

The purpose of this study was to determine strength of muscles involved with instrumentation (scaling) by dental hygienists and the additive effects of cellular (mobile) phone usage, as indicated by measurements of muscular force generation. A convenience sample of licensed dental hygienists currently in clinical practice (n=16) and an equal number of individuals not currently using devices/tools repetitively for work (n=16), agreed to participate in this pilot study. All participants completed a modified cell phone usage questionnaire to determine their use pattern and frequency.

Color-Blind Racial Attitudes in Dental Hygiene Students: A pilot study.

Color-blind racial attitudes and biases have been linked to racial prejudice which may potentially affect dental hygiene care to diverse patients. The purpose of this pilot study was to determine the color-blind racial attitudes of dental hygiene students. A 20-item, Color-Blind Racial Attitudes Scale (CoBRAS) electronic survey was sent to a convenience sample of 41 first-year and 30 second-year dental hygiene students (n=71) in a dental hygiene program in Virginia.

The Effect of Magnification Loupes on Dental Hygienists' Posture while Exploring.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of dental magnification loupes on posture during instrumentation. A convenience sample of 27 right-handed dental hygienists, with no prior history of injuries or disabilities of the head, neck, or trunk region, enrolled in the study. Baseline posture calibration was taken and tri-axial accelerometers were placed on four locations of the head and trunk (occipital region of head; cervical vertebrae C5; thoracic vertebrae T5; lumbar vertebrae L1) to measure acceleration and the orientation of the body to gravity.