Consumers' awareness of barrier protection in dentistry

Because of the scarcity of printed educational material available to the oral healthcare consumer regarding barrier protection in the dental office, four students at the Fones School of Dental Hygiene conducted a senior project that hypothesized that dental health consumers are poorly informed about barrier protection. Data received from a questionnaire were analyzed to determine the participants' awareness of barrier protection in the dental care setting; specifically, the use of masks, gloves, and protective eyewear. Of the 400 participants, 72% reported that their dentist wore gloves. Of the 321 participants who indicated that their dentist employs a dental hygienist, 76% reported that the dental hygienist wears gloves. And of the 334 participants who indicated that their dentist employs a dental assistant, 65% reported that their dental assistant wears gloves. The percentage of participants who reported the use of protective eyewear and masks is lower. Survey participants who visited offices where dental hygienists and dental assistants are employed were more likely to notice the dentist wearing a mask, gloves, and protective eyewear. Eighty-nine percent of the participants replied that they knew why masks, gloves, and protective eyewear should be worn in the dental setting; 40% replied that they would like more information.