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The Integration of Research into U.S. Dental Hygiene Curriculums.

Nuss, Danielle Lynn
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-2168-1744
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1461315251

Abstract Details

2016, Master of Dental Hygiene, Ohio State University, Dentistry.
Abstract Purpose: The Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) implements specific standards concerning knowledge of research ethics, evaluation of scientific literature, and evidence based care. The purpose of this descriptive study was to survey U.S. dental hygiene program directors to determine: 1) if research is being taught in dental hygiene programs and 2) to what capacity research is being taught in dental hygiene programs. Methods: Data were gathered via an electronic survey sent to 335 U.S. dental hygiene program directors. This survey included 18 closed-ended questions. The survey invitation was e-mailed three times, achieving a 25.7% total response rate (n=86). Data were evaluated using descriptive statistics and Fisher’s exact test was used to statistically analyze the relationships between various groups. Results: The majority (71%, n=61) of the responding institutions offered an associate degree, followed by a baccalaureate degree (40%, n=34). However, there were more respondents from baccalaureate degree programs in comparison to the total population. Sixty-one percent of all baccalaureate programs in the U.S. responded to the survey, whereas 21% of all associate degree programs responded. Ninety-three percent (n=80) of the respondents indicated that research is taught in the dental hygiene curriculum. Forty-six percent (n=36) of responding institutions offered research as a stand-alone course. There was a greater likelihood of a stand-alone research course occurring in baccalaureate programs (p=0.0001). The majority of responding institutions did not have faculty (55%, n=47) or students (65%, n=56) conducting original research. Associate degree programs (40%, n=12) reported the highest rate of students conducting research, followed by baccalaureate programs (23%, n=7) and baccalaureate and graduate degree programs (20%, n=6). Baccalaureate programs (33%, n=13) had the highest rate of faculty producing original research. Faculty were more likely to perform research when the hygiene program was housed with a DDS or DMD program (p=<0.0001). Among responding institutions with a DDS or DMD program (n=12), 42% (n=5) have students conducting original research. Conclusion: The results of this descriptive study suggest that research is taught at associate, baccalaureate, and graduate levels of dental hygiene education. Although, most responding institutions did not have faculty or students conducting original research. In addition, the majority of responding institutions did not offer research as a stand-alone course. This may indicate that students are taught only certain facets of the concept of research, predominantly evidence-based decision making (EBDM) and research methods and design. This study, along with previous research, indicates that the integration of research into dental hygiene curricula requires further analysis. The efficacy of teaching research in a stand-alone course versus in a combined course should be assessed, as well as faculty interests and values on research and instructional techniques. After these aspects have been evaluated, national leaders can determine proper curricular changes to ensure that research is adequately integrated into dental hygiene curricula.
Michele Carr, RDH, MA (Advisor)
Rachel Kearney, RDH, MS (Committee Member)
Robert Rashid, DDS, MAS (Committee Member)
50 p.
Dentistry
research, dental hygiene, curriculum

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Citations

  • Nuss, D. L. (2016). The Integration of Research into U.S. Dental Hygiene Curriculums. [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1461315251

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Nuss, Danielle. The Integration of Research into U.S. Dental Hygiene Curriculums. 2016. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1461315251.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Nuss, Danielle. "The Integration of Research into U.S. Dental Hygiene Curriculums." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2016. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1461315251

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1461315251
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This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.