Assessment and maintenance of dental implants: clinical and knowledge-seeking practices of dental hygienists.

Purpose: This study surveyed dental hygienists in order to assess their routine approach for dental implant maintenance and to determine if a relationship exists between the formal education of dental hygienists and their previous attendance and interest in future implant related continuing education courses.

Methods: A survey was distributed to dental hygienists attending an annual national continuing education course. Participants voluntarily completed and submitted their survey before the end of the first day of the 3 day course.

Predictors of success in dental hygiene education: a follow-up study.

Purpose: In 2002, a 6 year review of dental hygiene graduates from the Medical College of Georgia (1996 through 2001) was conducted to determine which criteria were the best predictors of success. Success was defined in terms of National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) score and dental hygiene GPA at graduation. The purpose of this follow-up study was to determine if a relationship exists between predicted success (using 2002 models) and actual success of entry-level baccalaureate degree students who graduated from 2002 through 2007.

Prevalence and severity of hypertension in a dental hygiene clinic.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and severity of hypertension in a dental hygiene clinic and evaluate factors related to the disease.

Methods And Materials: Records of 615 patients, treated by dental hygiene students during 2003, were reviewed. Data collected included systolic and diastolic blood pressure, presence of diabetes and renal disease, non-modifiers (race, gender, and age), and modifiers (marital status, smoking habits, and occupation).