American Dental Hygienists Association Research Articles

Virucidal activity of oral care products against SARS-CoV-2 in vitro

ObjectiveCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by infection by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spread worldwide. Since reducing the amount of virus in saliva is considered to prevent broader infection, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) have recommended use of CPC- or CHX-containing oral care products before the dental procedure. However, there is no certified evidence. So, we examined inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 by oral care products in several countries in vitro. Methods0.05 % Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) mouthwash, 0.05 % CPC toothpaste and 0.30 % CPC spray in Japan; 0.06 % chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) + 0.05 % CPC mouthwash and 0.12 % CHX + 0.05 % CPC mouthwash in Europe; 0.075 % CPC mouthwash, 0.12 % CHX mouthwash, and 0.20 % delmopinol hydrochloride mouthwash in the USA; and 0.04 % CPC mouthwash in China were assessed for their virucidal activity with ASTM E1052. ResultsThe virus was inactivated in vitro by the contact time in directions for use of all oral care products containing CPC or delmopinol hydrochloride as anticeptics. ConclusionsThese results suggest that these oral care products in each country may reduce the viral load in the mouth.

Tooth polishing - A mouthful of history

Tooth polishing continues to be an integral part of clinical practice since the concept of selective polishing was introduced in the 1980s. Polishing essenitiates the removal of stains and plaque bio-film and provides a method for applying various medicaments to the teeth such as desensitizing agents .With passage of time emergence of more efficient and effective devices like jet abrasives have been introduced . Still the role of rubber cups with prophy angles cannot be overlooked as they are still being widely used and provide an economical alternative. A traditional polishing method, i.e. a rubber–cup with prophylaxis paste, has been shown to remove thefluoride–rich outer layer of the enamel thus causing significant loss of cementum and dentin over time. So alternative tooth polishing methods were developed with evidence to support alternative tooth polishing methods, dentists should familiarize themselves with contemporary methods including air polishing. The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in air polishing. Clinical Relevance Scientific Rationale of Polishing:Polishing cause the abrasion of tooth surfaces. American dental hygienists association strongly recommends, do polishing of the tooth surfaces, when a dental hygienist or dentist determines a specific need for it. One should understand patient’s expectations they simply like the look and feel of teeth along with the taste and smell are next important factors. Principal findings:Polishing has been evolved from finely ground coral, eggs, shells, ginger or salt. After that various other polishing powders like flour of pumice and calcium carbonate, aluminum oxide (alumina), silicon carbide, aluminum silicate, silicon dioxide, carbide compounds, garnet, feldspar, zirconium silicate, zirconium oxide, and boron. Because of the particle size they were considered to be more abrasive. Practical Implications:With new advances finer abrasive agents with fine pa

The role of dentists in nicotine replacement therapy.

Dear Editor, We read the article titled “Nicotine replacement therapy: A friend or foe” with great interest.[1] As authors pointed out smoking is one of the greatest causes of premature death and preventable illness in both developed and developing countries. Health-care professionals, especially dentists, can play an important role in assisting their patients with tobacco cessation.[2] We would like to share few more literature regarding the role of dentists in nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). Though most of the dental curriculums around the world don't have structured modules to train dentists in specific smoking cessation strategies, multiple studies exploring knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding tobacco cessation methods among dental practitioners have provided encouraging insights. Rajput et al. explored the attitudes, practices, and perceived barriers in Tobacco cessation counseling (TCC) among dental practitioners in India and found that seventy-three percent of the dentists agreed that TCC is their responsibility.[3] Moreover, Madhu et al. studied the attitude and practice of the dental students toward tobacco cessation methods using a cross-sectional design and found that almost 50% preferred to recommend nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) as a tobacco cessation advises to the patients.[4] Existing literature supports the fact that dental practitioners have the motivation and knowledge base to support tobacco cessation in their patients. It is the need of the hour for establishing tobacco cessation clinics in dental clinics especially in rural areas where a dentist does the behavioral counseling during which patients are advised to stop the tobacco use, with structured counseling methods.[5] There are no standardized tobacco intervention model for dental care settings. However, the American Dental Hygienists Association recommends a three-steP “AAR” brief tobacco intervention model for dental care settings: Ask every patient about tobacco use, Advise all tobacco users to quit, and Refer tobacco users to nationally available tobacco quitlines via fax or electronic referral.[6] Moreover, dentists can also assess the severity of tobacco addiction using Fagerstrom scale, i.e., the patient is asked a series of 6 questions and scores are given based on the patient's responses and based on the scoring, the patient can be prescribed pharmacotherapy in the form of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT).[5] There are multiple ways in which a dentist can assist their patient with NRT. One potential model for incorporating the provision of NRT in dental practices is NRT sampling (NRTS), in which a short starter course (e.g., 2 weeks) of NRT is given to all medically eligible smokers irrespective of their motivations to quit or seek treatment. Another specific area were dentists can contribute is in modifications NRT practices such as nicotine replacement therapy with tooth-whitening agents. Availability of NRT with stain removal or tooth-whitening activity would provide an opportunity for dentists to illustrate some early measurable benefits of smoking cessation, reinforce smokers’ commitment to quit, and support them on the path to a stable state of not smoking. Dentists can also play a key role in maximizing the benefits of NRT by educating the public regarding the relative safety of NRT when compared to smoking, as most of the studies from around the world indicate that the public incorrectly believes that nicotine is responsible for most of the cancer caused by smoking. Considering the need of the hour and the multiple role a dentist can play in tobacco cessation, the dental councils should consider including tobacco cessation training modules in the curriculum at the BDS level.[5] Furthermore, conferences, workshops, and CDEs regarding tobacco cessation services also should be promoted among dentists to educate and motivate them to start or continue their tobacco cessation services to their patients.[4] Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.

Relationship of Dental Hygiene Students' Engagement Practices to Their Academic Achievement.

Students in many fields have been found to learn more the more they are engaged in both the academic and social aspects of the learning experience. The aims of this study were to determine the level of dental hygiene students' engagement in their educational programs and in student chapters of the American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) and to assess the relationship of that engagement to students' success as measured by cumulative GPA. All 12,000 dental hygiene students (6,000 in the first year and 6,000 in the second year of two-year programs) enrolled in the 334 accredited U.S. dental hygiene programs were invited to participate in the survey. The ADHA electronically distributed the survey on behalf of the researcher to the students in February 2015. The response rate was 22% (N=2,649); the respondents had a survey completion rate of 94%. Three positive predictors were found to influence student success. The higher the responding students rated the quality of interactions with their faculty members and with their program directors, the higher was their mean GPA. In addition, holding a higher education degree was found to be a significant predictor of academic success. This study's results provide dental hygiene educators with a better understanding of how dental hygiene student engagement relates to academic achievement and may encourage faculty members to improve their strategies for delivering instruction. Future research should review enhanced student engagement practices as they relate to student success.

Dental Hygienist Providers in Long-Term Care: Meeting the Need

Dental hygienists with expertise in the policies, protocols, and practices of long-term care settings can provide oral health care services that complement the health complexities of residents. BackgroundAdults in the United States are living longer and retaining more teeth, creating an increased demand for oral health care within long-term care facilities. Oral health has, in the past, been perceived as less important than other aspects of daily care and focused more on comfort than control of potential pathogens of oral origin. The concept in medicine of a care continuum from cradle to grave has not generally included provisions for oral health because historically few private dental practices have had provisions for continuation of care once an individual is unable to access the private office. This article supports the inclusion of dental hygienist care team members in long-term care settings. MethodsThe author has provided oral health care services in long-term care for many years, modeling this important career path for dental hygienists. Examples of the personal contributions of the dental hygienist author in helping to meet the extreme needs of this population illustrate this viable career option for dental hygienists. Resources used include federal and state health care publications, data from the American Dental Hygienists Association and selected state dental hygiene associations, published literature, and interviews with dental hygiene business owners, as well as the author's years of expertise. ConclusionOral health is a significant health concern for elders and others in long-term care settings. Daily oral care practices and optimal oral health are related to the well-being and quality of life that long-term care residents deserve. Pathways to providing preventive oral health services will gain momentum as dental hygienists become an integral part of the long-term care setting health care team.

The American Dental Hygienists' Association Leads the Profession into 21st Century Workforce Opportunities

With the dental hygiene profession undergoing tremendous transformation as greater and more diverse workplace opportunities present themselves, the American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) is leading the effort to ensure that dental hygienists are prepared to take advantage of these growing opportunities in today's constantly evolving health care landscape. Background and purposeADHA's vision statement calls for the integration of dental hygienists into the health care delivery system as essential primary care providers to expand access to oral health care. This article discusses changes in dental hygiene curriculum, as well as how changes in the health care environment and legislative outcomes are impacting workplace opportunities for dental hygienists in the 21st century. MethodResearch from ADHA's Transforming Dental Hygiene Education and the Profession for the 21st Century white paper and other oral health-related literature, ADHA policies, and ADHA survey research describe the evolving dental hygiene workplace environment. The article discusses trends in education, health care, legislative and regulatory practice, and societal need that are creating new workforce opportunities for the dental hygiene profession. ConclusionWith rapid change in both the oral and overall health care environments, transformation in dental hygiene curriculum and competencies, and more states allowing the public to have direct access to dental hygienists, dental hygiene professionals are expanding their presence into all aspects of the health care system. ADHA is leading this effort to help dental hygienists provide that care by expanding workforce opportunities and allowing dental hygienists to practice to the full extent of their scope. The dental hygiene profession must be prepared and ready to embrace these opportunities. In doing so, new career pathways will be available for dental hygiene professionals that will also improve the public's access to oral health care.

Clinical Practice Guidelines for Recall and Maintenance of Patients with Tooth-Borne and Implant-Borne Dental Restorations.

To provide guidelines for patient recall regimen, professional maintenance regimen, and at-home maintenance regimen for patients with tooth-borne and implant-borne removable and fixed restorations. The American College of Prosthodontists (ACP) convened a scientific panel of experts appointed by the ACP, American Dental Association (ADA), Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), and American Dental Hygienists Association (ADHA) who critically evaluated and debated recently published findings from two systematic reviews on this topic. The major outcomes and consequences considered during formulation of the clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) were risk for failure of tooth- and implant-borne restorations. The panel conducted a round table discussion of the proposed guidelines, which were debated in detail. Feedback was used to supplement and refine the proposed guidelines, and consensus was attained. A set of CPGs was developed for tooth-borne restorations and implant-borne restorations. Each CPG comprised (1) patient recall, (2) professional maintenance, and (3) at-home maintenance. For tooth-borne restorations, the professional maintenance and at-home maintenance CPGs were subdivided for removable and fixed restorations. For implant-borne restorations, the professional maintenance CPGs were subdivided for removable and fixed restorations and further divided into biological maintenance and mechanical maintenance for each type of restoration. The at-home maintenance CPGs were subdivided for removable and fixed restorations. The clinical practice guidelines presented in this document were initially developed using the two systematic reviews. Additional guidelines were developed using expert opinion and consensus, which included discussion of the best clinical practices, clinical feasibility, and risk-benefit ratio to the patient. To the authors' knowledge, these are the first CPGs addressing patient recall regimen, professional maintenance regimen, and at-home maintenance regimen for patients with tooth-borne and implant-borne restorations. This document serves as a baseline with the expectation of future modifications when additional evidence becomes available.

Advancing Education in Dental Hygiene

The changing health care environment and societal imperatives indicate the need for transformative change within the dental hygiene profession to serve the emerging needs of the public. The American Dental Hygienists' Association is leading the way toward meaningful change. Background and PurposeThe American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) has as its vision the integration of dental hygienists into the health care delivery system as essential primary care providers to expand access to oral health care. This article provides data on current dental hygiene education programs and those in development. Also included is a discussion regarding how the dental hygiene profession can better serve the health and wellness needs of society by transforming the way graduates are prepared for the future. MethodADHA's dental hygiene survey center data, policies and a futuristic analysis plus a review of the professional literature describe the current state of dental hygiene education and the profession. A discussion of societal, health care and educational trends that creates the imperative for transformation of the dental hygiene profession is provided. ConclusionsUltimately, the purpose of advancing education in dental hygiene is to achieve better oral and overall health for more people. The profession's responsibility to the public includes evaluating its own ability to provide care and taking the steps necessary to ensure its maximum effectiveness. ADHA is leading this process for dental hygienists in diverse ways. It is imperative that the dental hygiene profession understands and embraces the changing health care environment. Through open dialog and the sharing of evidence the professional path will be determined along with forward movement for the benefit of society and the dental hygiene profession.

Academic Integrity Violations: A National Study of Dental Hygiene Students

The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence of academic integrity violations reported by a national sample of dental hygiene students as compared to general undergraduate students. This study also examined the influence of student variables such as gender, age, and level of education, along with honor codes and other contextual factors, on academic integrity. A total of 2,050 surveys were mailed to a random selection of the schools with dental hygiene degree programs in each of the twelve American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) districts. A total of 794 usable surveys were returned for an overall response rate of 39 percent. The respondents were predominantly twenty to twenty-nine years of age (85 percent), and 97.7 percent were female. The largest percentage of respondents (38.5 percent) had completed four or more years of undergraduate education at the time of the survey, with the majority of the coursework taken in a community college setting (39 percent). Approximately 53 percent were from associate programs and 47 percent from baccalaureate programs. Of those responding, 11.3 percent reported cheating during their dental hygiene program, and 30.2 percent were aware of someone cheating in their program. A comparison of academic violations for dental hygiene students to students in other undergraduate programs reveals that a smaller proportion of dental hygiene students report violations.

Effectiveness of Faculty Training to Enhance Clinical Evaluation of Student Competence in Ethical Reasoning and Professionalism

This study evaluated the short- and long-term effectiveness of faculty training to enhance clinical evaluation of ethical reasoning and professionalism in a baccalaureate dental hygiene program. Ethics, values, and professionalism are best measured in contexts comparable to practice; therefore, authentic evaluation is desirable for assessing these areas of competence. Methods were the following: 1) a faculty development workshop implementing a core values-based clinical evaluation system for assessing students' professional judgment; 2) subsequent evaluation of the clinical faculty's use of core values for grading and providing written comments related to students' professional judgment during patient care for three academic years; and 3) evaluation of program outcomes assessments regarding clinical learning experiences related to ethics and professionalism domains. Results revealed the clinical faculty's evaluation of professional judgment during patient care was enhanced by training; written comments more frequently related to core values defined in the American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) Code of Ethics; and faculty members reported more confidence and comfort evaluating professional judgment after implementation of this evaluation system and receiving training in its application. Students were more positive in outcomes assessments about their competency and learning experiences related to professionalism and ethics. This article shares one approach for enhancing clinical faculty's authentic evaluation of student competence in ethical reasoning and professionalism.

Blood Pressure Assessment Practices of Dental Hygienists

An estimated 50 million Americans have high blood pressure (HBP), with 30% of them unaware of their condition. Both the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) have advocated including recording blood pressure during the dental appointment. Recording blood pressure is also a standard procedure in patient care. This study surveyed 236 dental hygienists attending a continuing education program to document their blood pressure assessment practices. The majority (55%) of participants indicated they rarely or never record blood pressure. The primary reason cited by 51% of the participants was a lack of time in the appointment. Based on these findings, a recommendation was made for dental offices to modify their patient check-in procedures to include recording blood pressure.

Calendar of Meetings / State Societies / Meetings of State Boards of Dental Examiners / Alabama Dental Association / Louisiana State Dental Society / New Jersey State Dental Society / Tennessee State Dental Association / Kentucky State Dental Association / South Dakota State Dental Society / North Dakota State Dental Society / Wisconsin State Dental Society / Wyoming State Dental

Calendar of Meetings / State Societies / Meetings of State Boards of Dental Examiners / Alabama Dental Association / Louisiana State Dental Society / New Jersey State Dental Society / Tennessee State Dental Association / Kentucky State Dental Association / South Dakota State Dental Society / North Dakota State Dental Society / Wisconsin State Dental Society / Wyoming State Dental

Calendar of Meetings / American Dental Hygienists Association / National Association of Dental Examiners / Southwestern Society of Orthodontists / Xi Psi Phi Fraternity, National Alumni Chapter / Montreal Fall Clinic / American Dental Assistants Association—Official Notice / Canadian Dental Association / Golf Tournament / Midwestern Association of Anesthetists / First International Orthodontic Congress / Sanitary Code and Regulations Governing

Calendar of Meetings / American Dental Hygienists Association / National Association of Dental Examiners / Southwestern Society of Orthodontists / Xi Psi Phi Fraternity, National Alumni Chapter / Montreal Fall Clinic / American Dental Assistants Association—Official Notice / Canadian Dental Association / Golf Tournament / Midwestern Association of Anesthetists / First International Orthodontic Congress / Sanitary Code and Regulations Governing