Dental technology program administrators' attitudes toward credentialing health manpower

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify the attitudes of administrators of dental technology programs toward health manpower credentialing. A survey instrument was developed by allied health professionals knowledgeable in the credentialing process. The instrument contained 32 items that were categorized into three subscales and sought information about academic program accreditation, certification, and the licensure of dental technicians. The survey was sent to the directors of the 57 dental technology programs accredited by the American Dental Association, Usable returns totaled 49, or 86 percent. The data indicated that dental technology program administrators support the concept and practice of health manpower credentialing. The data also indicated that these administrators felt that academic program accreditation was of value in meeting demands for quality assurance in dental technology, and that certification of technicians, while beneficial, had been of little value in terms of rewards (recognition and economic gains) for the credential holder. In addition, licensure of dental technicians was found to be desirable.