Objectives: This study aimed to summarise the competencies and legal position of the dental hygienist (DH) regarding local anaesthesia and caries treatment through a worldwide review.
Methods: A structured and peer-reviewed online questionnaire consisting of 27 questions was developed and emailed to all DH associations that are members of the International Federation of Dental Hygienists or European Dental Hygienists Federation. After obtaining the data, all responding associations were contacted to confirm that the data were summarised in the correct order and were asked to provide further clarification of answers if necessary. A descriptive analysis was performed to summarise the data.
Results: Thirty-one countries were approached and 26 responded, resulting in a response rate of 84%. In 62% of the countries, the DH can administer local anaesthesia via infiltration and/or block anaesthesia. In 23% of the countries, the DH can indicate the placement of a caries restoration. In 15% of the countries, the DH can place caries restorations. In 81% of the countries, the DH can apply sealants.
Conclusions: Considerable variation exists amongst countries regarding the extended scope of DH practice. Overall, independently administering local anaesthesia appears to be more accepted as being within the scope of DH practice than caries removal and the placement of restorations.
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| http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10023583 | PMC |
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.identj.2022.08.013 | DOI Listing |
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Article Synopsis
- The study focused on oral health prevention, particularly root caries measures, for patients aged 65 and older, and involved a survey of 365 Norwegian dental hygienists from both public and private sectors.
- Key findings revealed that primary prevention methods included oral hygiene instruction and fluoride varnish, while challenges such as patients' reduced manual dexterity and mobility were particularly noted by public dental hygienists.
- The research highlights the vital role of dental hygienists in promoting oral health for the elderly and underscores various challenges they face in implementing preventive care.
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