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An argument for dental hygiene to develop as a discipline
S J Cobban1, E M Edgington, S M Compton
1Dental Hygiene Program, Department of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, Dentistry-Pharmacy Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada. sandy.cobban@ualberta.ca
International Journal of Dental Hygiene
|January 26, 2007
Summary
Dental hygiene can elevate its professional status by developing more researchers to advance oral health science and practice. This intentional pursuit of knowledge will establish dental hygiene as a recognized professional discipline.
Area of Science:
- Oral Health Science
- Dental Hygiene Practice
- Professionalization Studies
Background:
- Dental hygiene originated in preventive oral care for children.
- It now serves a broad societal role but lacks professional recognition compared to other fields.
- The disparity in status highlights a need for professional development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate if dental hygiene practice would benefit from developing as a distinct discipline.
- To explore the characteristics of dental hygiene in relation to established professional disciplines.
Main Methods:
- A literature review on professionalization and disciplines was conducted.
- Focus was on dental hygiene, particularly in North America.
- Current characteristics of dental hygiene were analyzed against disciplinary criteria.
Main Results:
- Dental hygiene exhibits some disciplinary traits, including a defined metaparadigm (client, environment, health, actions).
- A focus on disease prevention and oral health promotion is evident.
- However, research output is limited and often lacks theoretical grounding.
Conclusions:
- Dental hygiene currently integrates knowledge from diverse sources.
- Prioritizing research and knowledge transfer is crucial for enhancing societal value and professional standing.
- Actively cultivating a research base will foster dental hygiene's emergence as a professional discipline.
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