The role of dental hygienists in state public health programs

The role and personnel status of dental hygienists in state public health programs have not been documented. In October 1987, a 13-page questionnaire was mailed to the 55 state and territorial dental directors around the country, requesting information on dental hygienists who are employed by the state in public health positions. The questionnaire was divided into three categories: educational services; clinical services; and hygienists who divide their time between clinical and oral health educational services. Questions in each category requested information on job title, educational requirements, salary, benefits, and programmatic areas of responsibility. The purpose of this survey was to document the role and extent of participation by dental hygienists in state public health programs. Forty-eight states responded to the questionnaire, with 37 states employing dental hygienists in state public health programs. Twelve percent of the educational services and seven percent of the clinical services employing hygienists are in supervisory or management-level positions, with advanced degree requirements not necessarily a factor. Only 61% have dental hygienists involved with water fluoridation educational programs which, considering the known benefits of community water fluoridation, is surprisingly low. The survey results may be used to assist administrators in developing appropriate programs utilizing dental hygienists.