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).

The Effects of the Traditional Scaling Technique Versus a Modified Scaling Technique on Muscle Activity and Pinch Force Generation: A pilot study.

Dental hygienists perform precision instrumentation tasks repetitively throughout the workday, placing them at increased risk for developing a musculoskeletal disorder. The purpose of this pilot study was to determine differences in muscle activity and pinch force generation between the traditional scaling technique and a modified scaling technique. A convenience sample of dental hygienists (n=12) acted as their own controls in this counterbalance-designed pilot study.

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.

Effects of Instrument Handle Design on Dental Hygienists' Forearm Muscle Activity During Scaling.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of 4 different commercially available instrument handle designs (A. 16 grams and 12.7 mm diameter, B.