Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 18, 2026
Oral Health Assessment by Lay Personnel for Older Adults
Published on: February 2, 2020
Microaggression Towards Dental Hygienists Who Identify as Racial/Ethnic Minorities and Relationship to Health-Related
Jacqueline M Cohen1, Linda D Boyd1, Jared Vineyard1,2
1Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences University, Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Purpose:
Racial discrimination in the United States is an issue that negatively affects physical and mental health, job performance, career satisfaction, and self-esteem. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of microaggressions in the workplace towards dental hygienists who identify as racial/ethnic minorities and effects on their health-related quality of life.
Methods:
Cross-sectional survey research was used with a purposive sample of racial and ethnic minority dental hygienists (n = 207) in the United States. The survey utilised two validated instruments: Racial Ethnic Microaggressions Scale (REMS) and Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL-4). Analysis was conducted with descriptive statistics, correlations, and logistic regression.
Results:
The completion rate for the survey was 64.3% (n = 133). All participants experienced some form of racial/ethnic microaggression. Black or African American participants experienced Second-Class Citizen and Assumptions of Criminality (p < 0.001) and microaggressions in the workplace environment (p < 0.001) more frequently than individuals identifying as Hispanic or Latino. HRQoL-4 items were statistically significantly associated with REMS subscales. Logistic regression identified the REMS Workplace and School Microaggressions (WSM) subscale (B = 0.13, SE = 0.06, Wald χ2(1) = 5.40, p = 0.020, OR = 1.14) as a predictor of higher odds for reporting 15-20 days affected by mental health issues. In addition, the WSM subscale (B = 0.14, SE = 0.06, Wald χ2(1) = 6.51, p = 0.011, OR = 1.15) was a predictor of reporting 15-30 days usual activities were negatively affected by physical and mental health issues.
Conclusions:
Findings showed workplace racial/ethnic microaggression negatively affected the number of days per month that mental health and usual activities were impacted for this sample of dental hygienists who identified as ethnic or racial minorities. Identifying and addressing racial/ethnic microaggressions is crucial for increasing workforce diversity and enhancing awareness may promote a more inclusive and positive dental work environment.
Related Concept Videos
02:55Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination
01:21Barriers to Effective Communication II
Cultural barriers:
Differences in values, beliefs, religion, knowledge, and tradition can significantly impact communication. Awareness of nonverbal cues is critical, especially when conversing with a patient from a different culture. What appears appropriate in one culture may be inappropriate in another.
Semantic barriers:
As a result of their tendency to use...
01:26Assessment of the Mouth
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
01:27Ethical Issues
Ethical Concerns in Healthcare:
01:21Tooth Anatomy
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...
01:27Ethnic Identity within a Larger Culture