Dental hygienists and long-term care

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Dentistry
• Dental Public Health
• Oral Healthcare Delivery

Background:

• Oral health is a critical component of overall well-being for the elderly.
• Long-term care (LTC) facilities present unique challenges and opportunities for dental professionals.
• Assessing the workforce readiness of dental hygienists for geriatric care is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the willingness of dental hygienists to provide oral health care to elderly residents in LTC facilities.
• To identify factors influencing dental hygienists' interest in geriatric dental practice.

Main Methods:

• A mail survey was distributed to 839 licensed and practicing dental hygienists in Kansas in August 1995.
• The survey assessed career motivations, educational adequacy, job satisfaction, and interest in working with elderly patients.
• Data from 582 usable questionnaires were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests.

Main Results:

• A significant majority (94%) of dental hygienists expressed willingness to work in LTC facilities, at least occasionally.
• Interest in full-time geriatric practice was low, but part-time engagement was more common among less experienced hygienists.
• Hygienists willing to practice regularly with the elderly were more likely to feel adequately prepared by their education.

Conclusions:

• Dental hygienists are a potential resource for improving oral health among older adults in LTC settings.
• Specialized education and training are necessary to enhance dental hygienists' skills for geriatric oral care.
• Optimizing the provision of dental care for the elderly requires addressing educational needs and practice preferences.