Johnson Patricia M
PMJ Consultants, Toronto, ON, Canada.
Int Dent J. 2003 Oct;53(5):299-313. doi: 10.1111/j.1875-595x.2003.tb00763.x.
The purpose of this international longitudinal study is to examine patterns and monitor trends and changes in dental hygiene.
Information was collected from national dental hygienists' associations through surveys conducted in 1987, 1992, 1998 and 2001. Sample size increased from 13 countries in 1987 to 22 by 2001--of which 19 were included in the analysis.
Overall, characteristics of the profession were remarkably similar; most noteworthy was the scope of dental hygiene clinical practice. Regarding historical development, educational programmes and professional organisation, the profession was more similar than dissimilar. Greater variation was evident regarding numbers, distribution, regulation, workforce behaviour, predominant work setting, and remuneration. Over the relatively short 14-year period, several observations were of particular interest: marked increase in the supply of dental hygienists, accompanied by a decline in their ratio to populations and to dentists and a high workforce participation rate; increase in baccalaureate dental hygiene programmes, with a gradual shift from the diploma as the entry-level qualification; and increase in scope of practice and professional autonomy, including for Europe and North America in particular, a decline in mandated level of work supervision and a slight but gradual increase in independent practice.
By 2001, the profiles reflected the vast majority of the world's population of dental hygienists. Rate of change varied across the countries examined; however, the nature of the change overall was consistent, resulting in a continuing homogeneity in the profession worldwide. Observed trends, changes and persistent issues have implications for service accessibility and technical efficiency and should continue to be monitored.
这项国际纵向研究的目的是调查口腔卫生保健的模式，并监测其趋势和变化。
通过在1987年、1992年、1998年和2001年进行的调查，从各国口腔卫生保健员协会收集信息。样本量从1987年的13个国家增加到2001年的22个国家，其中19个国家的数据纳入了分析。
总体而言，该职业的特点非常相似；最值得注意的是口腔卫生保健临床实践的范围。在历史发展、教育项目和专业组织方面，该职业的相似之处多于不同之处。在数量、分布、监管、劳动力行为、主要工作场所和薪酬方面，差异更为明显。在相对较短的14年时间里，有几点观察结果特别令人感兴趣：口腔卫生保健员的供应量显著增加，但其与人口和牙医的比例下降，劳动力参与率较高；学士学位口腔卫生保健项目增加，入门级资格逐渐从文凭转变；实践范围和专业自主权增加，特别是在欧洲和北美，法定工作监督水平下降，独立执业略有但逐渐增加。
到2001年，这些概况反映了世界上绝大多数口腔卫生保健员的情况。在所调查的国家中，变化速度各不相同；然而，总体变化的性质是一致的，导致全球该职业的持续同质化。观察到的趋势、变化和持续存在的问题对服务可及性和技术效率有影响，应继续进行监测。
