Assessment of a prosthodontic course for dental hygienists using self-instructional learning modules.

Self-instructional learning modules were used to teach the skill portion of a continuing education course in prosthodontics for dental hygienists. Short- and long-term results obtained from course evaluations and a follow-up survey indicate that dental hygienists are willing and able to extend their traditionally preventive role to include prosthodontic care. The reaction of the course participants to the self-instructional learning modules suggests topics for development of additional learning modules for prosthodontic training beyond the basic dental hygiene curriculum as well as for continuing education.