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- Title
Laser Education in Dental Hygiene Baccalaureate Programs.
- Authors
Shaw, Michele; Cartee, Deborah L.; Syme, Sheryl L.
- Abstract
Problem: Lasers are being used in many states by dental hygienists; but, uncertainties concerning laser usage and educational requirements may be deterring their use. Objective: Dental lasers are increasingly utilized by dental hygienists as an adjunct to periodontal therapy to eliminate pathogens remaining in a gingival pocket following scaling and root planning. The primary objective of this study was to examine the inclusion of dental laser curriculum in baccalaureate dental hygiene programs. The secondary objective was to assess the inclusion of lasers in dental state practice acts across the nation. Methodology: An electronic survey was sent to all baccalaureate dental hygiene program directors (N=55) across the U.S. to assess inclusion of dental lasers in their State practice act, as well as the didactic and clinical curriculum offered at their perspective institutions. This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the University of Maryland, Baltimore. Information was obtained anonymously, and voluntary completion of the questionnaire was taken as informed consent to participate in the study. The survey was sent December 2014 and again in March 2015 to increase subject participation. The instrument included eight questions, and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data collected. Results: Surveys were completed by twenty-nine of the fifty-five program directors, for a response rate of 52.7%. Analysis of the survey instrument indicates nearly half 48% of those who responded do not have laws governing "lasers" in their State practice acts. While 38% of respondents include a didactic overview of lasers in their entry-level programs the majority (90%) do not include a certification or hands-on course. Hours of study varied from 1 to 15 hours. Only two schools responded that they offer a laser course to degree completion students. Conclusion: Suitable laser education may assure a better understanding of proper usage and safety in clinical applications. The dental hygiene profession is constantly advancing; clarity of language in state practice acts to include "laser," with standardized guidelines and requirements may increase utilization of dental lasers by registered dental hygienists leading to improved patient care and outcomes. The current laser education curriculum may defer due to state practice acts not evolving as rapidly.
- Publication
Journal of Dental Hygiene, 2017, Vol 91, Issue 2, p68
- ISSN
1043-254X
- Publication type
Academic Journal