A comparative study of patient evaluations of dental treatment performed by dental and expanded-function dental hygiene students

Abstract

A comparative study is made of patient evaluations of the periodontal and operative procedures that are performed by dental students and dental hygiene students. A comparison was made between patient evaluations of periodontal and operative procedures that were completed by dental and expanded-function dental hygiene students at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry. Patient evaluations of preventive periodontal procedures that are traditionally delegated to dental hygienists also were compared. Dental hygiene students received higher ratings from patients than did dental students on preventive periodontal functions. Patients accepted both student groups; they were highly satisfied with the operative and advanced periodontal treatment procedures that the student groups performed. Patients who seek oral health care in a dental school environment may be less critical of dental treatment than private practice patients; therefore, the real test of patient acceptance of operative and periodontal procedures that are performed by expanded-function dental hygienists may rest with the latter group.