Utilization of advanced hygienist skills in the private practice.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to survey dental hygiene graduates to determine utilization in the private practice setting of expanded functions taught in school.

METHOD

A questionnaire was sent to 90 dental hygiene graduates from the classes of 1990-1994, of Indiana University-Purdue University, Fort Wayne. Analysis was done on utilization of specific expanded functions taught in school. Frequency tabulations of procedures performed and adequacy of preparation were done using the SAS software. The results were graphically represented in tables.

RESULTS

Equal response from each class resulted in the total response rate of 74%. The expanded functions most frequently performed by dental hygienists were placing sealants followed by making cast impressions. Placing temporary and amalgam restorations were rarely performed. The majority of graduates felt adequately trained to perform these skills.

CONCLUSION

Skills being required and taught in school are not being delegated in private practice. This survey shows the need for curriculum revisions and discrepancies between educational requirements and utilization.