The Value of Interprofessional Education: Assessing the Attitudes of Dental Hygiene Administrators and Faculty

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the attitudes of dental hygiene administrators and faculty members about the value of interprofessional education (IPE) within dental hygiene curricula and to determine whether administrator and faculty perspectives were associated with their professional role, gender, experience, knowledge about IPE, and their use of collaborative teaching strategies.Methods: A 34-question survey was used to evaluate dental hygiene administrators' and faculty knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to IPE. Electronic surveys were distributed to 224 program directors and faculty members of all entry-level dental hygiene programs located within the Northeast region of the United States. Responses were tabulated and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 23. Descriptive statistics, the Spearman's rho correlation coefficient, and ordinal regression analyses were used to report on each survey item.Results: The response rate was 41% (n=91). Overall, respondents viewed interprofessional pedagogy in high regard. Administrators and faculty agreed that IPE would enhance views towards other professions, benefit patients, and assist students in becoming effective members of health care teams. Although the basis for these perspectives was distributed, most (36%) were attributed to being in favor of working with other professionals. Significant correlations were found between respondent attitudes and their understanding and use of collaborative education strategies. Knowledge levels ranged from limited (38%) to adequate (58%). Approximately half of respondents (48%) reported that they are in the very initial stages of incorporating IPE into the curriculum.Conclusion: The majority of the dental hygiene administrators and faculty members surveyed see the value and significance of using IPE to effectively prepare students to enter a collaborative workforce. These perspectives demonstrate that dental hygiene is on the appropriate path for incorporating interprofessional strategies into program curricula.