New York State Dental Hygienists' Perceptions of a Baccalaureate Degree as the Entry-Level Degree Required for Practice.

PURPOSE

Dual educational pathways exist for entry into the dental hygiene profession, namely associate and baccalaureate degrees. The purpose of this study was to examine practicing dental hygienists' perceptions, regarding the requirement of a baccalaureate degree as entry-to-practice for the profession.

METHODS

A purposive sample of 800 dental hygienists licensed within New York State, both members and non-members of the Dental Hygienists' Association of the state of New York, were contacted via email and asked to participate in this Web-based survey. Survey items included both open-ended demographic and 12 Likert-type questions about perceptions of the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene (BSDH) being required as entry-level into the profession. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Spearman's rank correlations and the Kruskal-Wallis test.

RESULTS

One hundred and seventeen surveys were returned and 107 (14%) were valid for analysis. Fifty-two percent of participants held an associate degree and 98% were members of the ADHA. Nearly a third of participants were employed in solo practice, and 43% agreed/strongly agreed the associate degree is sufficient preparation for dental hygiene practice. Still, more participants agreed/strongly agreed (50%) the BSDH should be considered entry-level for the discipline. Participants identified professional recognition by other health care practitioners and increased individual self-esteem as benefits of a BSDH.

CONCLUSION

Results indicate the BSDH as entry-to-practice may be essential in elevating the status of the dental hygiene profession to that of other mid-level health care providers. Improving professional competence and credibility with colleagues and patients may be an important personal benefit of earning a baccalaureate degree.