Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 15, 2026
08:47
Oral Health Assessment by Lay Personnel for Older Adults
Published on: February 2, 2020
Examining clinical assessment practices in U.S. dental hygiene programs.
Marie A Navickis1, Kimberly Krust Bray, Pamela R Overman
1Rock Valley College, 4151 Samuelson Rd., Rockford, IL 61109, USA. m.navickis@rockvalleycollege.edu
Journal of Dental Education
|March 6, 2010
Summary
Competency-based education in dental hygiene programs primarily uses observation and case studies for assessment. Standardized clinical assessment techniques (SCATs) are underutilized but show potential for improving clinical competence evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Dental Hygiene Education
- Health Professions Assessment
- Competency-Based Education
Background:
- Competency-based education (CBE) aims to ensure dental hygiene students master skills for independent practice.
- Standardized clinical assessment techniques (SCATs) like OSCEs and simulations are crucial for evaluating healthcare professional competence.
- SCATs prepare clinicians for diverse patient complexities in controlled settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the range of clinical competence assessment methods in U.S. dental hygiene programs.
- To gauge dental hygiene program directors' perspectives on clinical assessment, particularly the utilization of SCATs.
- To identify potential barriers or facilitators to SCAT adoption in dental hygiene education.
Main Methods:
- An online survey was distributed to 125 directors of U.S. accredited dental hygiene programs.
- A 48 percent response rate was achieved, providing data on current assessment practices.
- Statistical analysis, including chi-square tests, was employed to examine assessment method usage and program characteristics.
Main Results:
- Observation (97%), case studies (90%), self-assessment (85%), and mock boards (75%) are widely used assessment methods.
- Standardized clinical assessment techniques (SCATs) are the least utilized among surveyed programs.
- A significant majority (74%) of program directors expressed interest in learning more about SCATs.
- No significant difference in SCAT usage was found between associate and baccalaureate degree programs or by program location.
Conclusions:
- Dental hygiene programs predominantly rely on traditional assessment methods over SCATs.
- There is a clear demand for further education and resources regarding the implementation of SCATs.
- Integrating SCATs could enhance the evaluation of clinical competence and readiness for practice in dental hygiene professionals.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Assessment of the Mouth
A thorough mouth assessment, including inspection and palpation of the lips, gums, tongue, tonsils, uvula, and pharynx, is crucial in detecting potential health issues. Diseases ranging from oral cancer to systemic conditions like diabetes could be identified early through careful oral examination. This article provides a detailed guide on conducting a comprehensive mouth assessment.
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
01:29Nursing Assessment
The two sources for collecting information are primary and secondary. After gathering information, interpretation and validation help to complete the data. The purpose of assessment is to establish data with the initial information, to interpret data about the patient's perceived needs and health problems, and to respond to these problems identified.
The nurse collects all aspects of the patient's health in the initial assessment, establishing priorities for ongoing focused assessments and...
The nurse collects all aspects of the patient's health in the initial assessment, establishing priorities for ongoing focused assessments and...
01:26Nursing Assessment of the Genitourinary System II: Inspection and Palpation
The nursing assessment of the genitourinary (GU) system involves a systematic inspection and palpation to identify abnormalities in the kidneys, bladder, and surrounding structures.InspectionMouth: Inspect for signs of kidney dysfunction, such as stomatitis (inflammation of the mouth) and ammonia breath, which may occur in advanced kidney disease due to the buildup of urea, breaking down into ammonia.Skin: Check for pallor, which could indicate anemia caused by kidney disease. Look for...
01:21Tooth Anatomy
The human tooth enables us to eat a variety of foods, speak clearly, and even aid in shaping our faces. Teeth are composed of various elements that work together. Here's a detailed look at the anatomy of a human tooth.
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or grinding food.
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or grinding food.
01:29Documentation in Long-Term and Home Healthcare Setting
Documentation in long-term care facilities and home healthcare settings is crucial for ensuring continuous, coordinated, and comprehensive care for patients. Each setting has its specific documentation processes and tools:
Long-Term Care Facilities
Long-Term Care Facilities
01:05Data Collection III
The physical assessment examines the patient for objective data that defines the patient's condition, and aids in formulating the nursing care plan. The purpose of physical assessment is a health status appraisal, which includes identifying health problems, and establishing a database for nursing intervention.
The principles to begin the physical assessment include conducting a comprehensive or problem-related history in a quiet, well-lit room, emphasizing privacy and comfort for the patient.
The principles to begin the physical assessment include conducting a comprehensive or problem-related history in a quiet, well-lit room, emphasizing privacy and comfort for the patient.