A Survey on the Level of Knowledge of Clinical Dental Hygienists on Dental Care for Patients with Dementia

Abstract

Objective: To assess the level of knowledge of dental hygienists regarding dementia, in order to contribute to the development of standardized educational curricula and programs in the future. Methods: The study involved a survey of 220 dental hygienists with more than 1 year of clinical experience. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, frequency analyses, t-tests, and one-way ANOVA. Results: A comparison of knowledge levels across the considered variables, revealed significant differences associated with education, marital status, the presence of dementia in a family member,and the frequency of the dementia patient’s visits to the institution where the participant was employed (p<0.05). Upon reviewing the correct answer rates by item and the average socres in terms of factors, it became evident that both the correct answer rates and average scores were lower for imens and factors involving characteristics associated with dementia. The correct answer rates by item and the average scores by factor revealed that both the correct answer rates and average scores were lower for items and factors involving characteristics related to dementia. Conclusions: Practical education and research targeted at students of dental hygiene and dental hygienists is deemed necessary for the provision of appropriate care and a safe clinical environment in dental treatments for dementia patients.