Canadian Journal of Dental Hygiene (CJDH)

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the noise exposure of dental hygiene students in a university clinic and assess the degree of perceived acoustic discomfort. Methods: Personal and environmental phonometric measurements were carried out during dental hygiene sessions at the clinic. An anonymous, online questionnaire was also administered to the 57 students to establish the degree of perceived acoustic discomfort. Results: The noise exposure levels measured in the university clinic were below the lower regulatory action values (LAeq = 77.2 dB(A); LCpeak = 112 dB(C)). No differences in sound levels were observed between left and right ears. The questionnaire highlighted that noise exposure during task performance was related to perceived annoyance, with the majority of students believing that noise increased task exertion. Conclusion: Exposure to noise during dental hygiene appointments, although below regulatory values, can be a source of discomfort, aggravating task exertion, interfering with communication, and reducing the ability to concentrate while carrying out dental hygiene procedures.

Background: In recent decades, there has been an increase in internet searches for oral health information by patients, but little is known about which factors may influence this process. This cross-sectional study investigates factors associated with internet use to obtain oral health-related information in a sample of adults. Methods: Adult users of 6 Primary Health Care (PHC) centres located in a city in the interior of the state of São Paulo, Brazil, were recruited to participate in the study. Data were collected on socioeconomic, behavioural, and dental characteristics, and internet use to obtain information about oral health. Simple and multiple logistic regression were performed for analysis between predictor variables and the outcome (internet use). Results: A sample of 301 adults participated in the study. In the final adjusted model, users with secondary education (OR = 2.53; 95% CI:1.11–5.79), who more frequently searched the internet for health information (OR = 2.89; 95% CI: 1.25–4.20), who thought the internet was more useful for making health decisions (OR = 2.56; 95% CI: 1.47–4.48), who had spoken to a health care professional in the last 12 months about information obtained on the internet (OR = 3.10; 95% CI: 1.77–5.44), whose last dental consultation was prompted by urgent reasons (OR = 2.30; 95% CI: 1, 25–4.23), and who had greater autonomy in decision making related to oral health (OR = 1.89; 95% CI: 1.10–3.27) were more likely to use the internet to obtain oral health-related information (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Sociodemographic, behavioural, and dental factors were associated with internet use to obtain oral health-related information in adults.

Purpose: The use of rectangular collimation during dental radiographic exposure decreases the patient effective dose while improving image quality. The purpose of this study was to assess the extent to which rectangular collimation is being taught in the didactic and laboratory portions of dental radiology courses in dental hygiene education programs. This study also assessed the extent to which rectangular collimation is being used during patient care in dental hygiene programs and identified barriers to its use. Methods: Ethics approval was received (HRPO #23-234) in July 2023. A descriptive survey was emailed to 311 United States accredited entry-level dental hygiene program directors. Descriptive statistics, including frequency distributions and percentages, were used to summarize findings. Results: Seventy-one responses were received for a response rate of 23%. Results showed that 96% of programs teach rectangular collimation in the didactic portion of the radiology course; 41% teach this technique in the laboratory portion. Only 25% reported using a rectangular collimation device during patient care while 55% stated a “concern for increased occurrence of cone cuts, resulting in retakes” as the primary reason for not using a rectangular collimation device during radiation exposure. Conclusion: Although use of rectangular collimation as a patient dose-reduction strategy is taught in 96% of responding dental hygiene programs, concern for retakes was the primary reason students receive limited clinical experience in this technique. Applying learned radiographic techniques clinically could encourage dental hygiene students to continue using rectangular collimation devices after graduation, which would be beneficial for patients.

Background: There is a need for evidence-based choices when integrating innovative teaching technologies into dental hygiene and dentistry education. Examining both the direct and indirect effects of these technologies can help to inform and enhance teaching practices. The aim of this study was to compare traditional lectures with online modules tailored to diverse learning style preferences, exploring how these approaches influence student engagement, retention, and recall. Methods: Second-year dental hygiene and first-year dentistry students were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 teaching conditions (in-person lecture, online lecture) in a common communications course. Baseline measures of content achievement, Edmonds learning style preferences, and comfort levels with learning online and in-person were recorded prior to the lecture using the pre-lecture assessment survey. Students completed post-lecture assessments immediately after the lecture and again 6 months later. Results: Regardless of the teaching condition, students showed significant improvement in their academic performance compared to the baseline measures. Their learning style preferences were found to be linked with higher engagement levels, a sense of accomplishment, and control over their learning environment. Conclusions: Teaching health sciences students presents challenges, especially when transitioning from traditional in-person classes to online learning, which may lack engagement for some. Accommodating diverse learning style preferences is crucial for maximizing technology’s benefits in education and enhancing learning outcomes. A blended approach, combining face-to-face and online lectures, can optimize student learning experiences, emphasizing the importance of considering varied preferences in educational strategies, particularly in the post-pandemic era.

Background: The recent emergence of artificial intelligence and large language models (LLMs) has caused educators to be cautious about applying these technologies in education. This narrative review explores the current literature to identify the existing applications of LLMs in dental and dental hygiene education. Methods: An extensive literature search in PubMed, CINAHL Plus, and Education Research Complete was conducted. The search string was (((Large language model) OR (Chatbot)) OR (ChatGPT)) AND (Dental education)). Primary research articles published in English and relevant to the research questions were included. Articles were screened by title and then by full-text review. Data were extracted from the eligible studies. Results: After 2 rounds of screening, 28 articles were selected for review. The LLMs used in the studies were ChatGPT versions 3, 3.5, 4, 4o, 4V; Bing Chat; Bard; Gemini; Copilot; Llama 2; Claude3-Opus and custom chatbots developed by the authors. Data analysis revealed 2 major themes in the research: 1) the performance of LLMs on standardized exams and 2) LLMs as teaching tools. Discussion: Many studies reported that LLMs can pass high-stakes dental exams, raising concerns about current assessment methods. However, findings that LLMs perform poorly in critically appraising literature and interpretation-type questions are insightful for educators when designing new assignments and assessment plans for dental and dental hygiene students. Conclusion: LLMs are rapidly developing as artificial intelligence advances. Repeated studies are needed to assess the impact of LLMs on teaching, learning, and assessment experiences.

Background: Interprofessional collaboration supports improved patient care and outcomes. Interprofessional education for collaborative practice (IPECP) in prelicensure education promotes professional/interprofessional socialization. Within IPECP, students gain understanding of their professional role and begin developing an interprofessional identity, including collaborative skills, attitudes, and behaviours. IPECP literature in oral health education is limited. It is not well understood how oral health students are involved in IPECP and prepared for collaborative practice. Objective: To assess the literature on IPECP within oral health education and identify IPECP models and characteristics of experiences enabling professional/interprofessional socialization, interprofessional identity development, and readiness for collaborative practice. Methods: Guided by JBI methodology, the research team searched CINAHL, DOSS, MEDLINE, and APAPsycInfo for peer-reviewed articles on IPECP models in prelicensure education of oral health students. Articles (N = 321) were screened by 2 reviewers for title/abstract, followed by full text. Twenty-eight articles were included. Results: Single and multiformat IPECP models were identified including workshops, case studies, simulation, and clinical experiences. Characteristics of IPECP experiences were identified and categorized as:1) learning from and about others; 2) establishing social connections; 3) authenticity of experiences; and 4) consistent socialization and exposure. However, challenges for IPECP in oral health education persist, including siloed education and a lack of intentional IPECP curriculum. Conclusion: Increased integration of oral health students into health professions IPECP and consistent exposure throughout programs is needed. IPECP curriculum must enable all students to explore their professional contributions to interprofessional teams. IPECP for developing an interprofessional identity in oral health students remains understudied; longitudinal and qualitative analyses are needed.

Objective: This thematic literature review explores current teledentistry models led by dental hygienists in rural, underserved areas. Its primary aim is to critically evaluate the impact of these models on access to care, clinical and economic outcomes, and workforce development. This review provides valuable insights for health care professionals, policymakers, and researchers interested in oral health care and telehealth. Methods: A structured literature search was conducted in the following databases: Ovid/MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Dentistry & Oral Sciences (EBSCOhost). The search terms were organized into 3 conceptual categories: population, intervention, and provider. Only peer-reviewed articles on teledentistrybased care delivered by dental hygienists or comparable providers, such as dental therapists, in underserved or rural settings were included. Results: Ten studies met the inclusion criteria for review: all explored the implementation of teledentistry models in underserved communities. These studies used a variety of qualitative, descriptive, and mixed-method designs. The literature highlighted effective service delivery models, economic advantages, positive patient and provider outcomes, and policy limitations. Discussion: Five key themes emerged: service delivery models and access to care, economic and clinical efficiency, regulatory and policy environments, workforce development and training, and systemic barriers to program sustainability. Conclusion: Teledentistry initiatives led by trained dental hygienists are a cost-effective and scalable means of improving access to care for underserved rural or Indigenous populations. Expanding these models across rural and urban regions and integrating this implementation into policy reform, workforce investment, and mainstream dental and dental hygiene education should be considered an urgent priority.

Introduction: Tobacco pouch keratosis (TPK) is a benign oral lesion primarily associated with the use of smokeless tobacco products. It is commonly observed in males, mainly due to their higher rates of tobacco consumption. Typically found in the lower vestibule, TPK presents as a white, curdy lesion on the oral mucosa. Despite its benign nature, persistence of TPK may lead to premalignant changes and subsequent malignancy. Case description: This case report highlights the occurrence of TPK in a 60-year-old female, detailing the clinical findings, diagnosis, and management plan. Discussion: This report underscores the need for better recognition and understanding of this condition. Tobacco cessation counselling, pharmacotherapy, and regular monitoring are important components of any management plan to prevent malignant transformation. Conclusion: By focusing on a female individual, this report aims to raise awareness among health care professionals of the potential occurrence of TPK in all smokeless tobacco users (including village tribal people), thereby facilitating early detection and appropriate intervention to mitigate the risk of malignant transformation.