Dentist involvement in care provided by the dental hygienist

This study investigated a nationwide sample of dental hygienists to determine the extent of dentist involvement during the patient's appointment with the dental hygienist. The American Dental Hygienists' Association identified the need for additional study of dentist involvement and contracted for data to be obtained as part of the ongoing longitudinal study of 1982 dental hygiene graduates. Mail questionnaires were sent to a nationwide cohort of 1,008 dental hygienists who graduated in 1982. Responses were received from 812 subjects, an 83% response rate from subjects with valid addresses. Data indicated that, on the average, the dentist spends 10 minutes with the dental hygienist's patient at the end of the dental hygiene appointment. This time is divided almost equally among talking with the patient, performing an oral examination, and discussing diagnosis and treatment needs.