Dental hygienists and long-term care.

PURPOSE

This study examined the willingness of dental hygienists to work in long-term care (LTC) facilities providing oral health care to the elderly.

METHODS

In August 1995, a mail survey of all 839 licensed and practicing dental hygienists in Kansas was conducted. Respondents were asked about their reasons for choosing dental hygiene as a career, perceptions of the adequacy of their education, satisfaction with their work, interest in working with elderly patients, and whether general supervision would influence their willingness to practice in LTC settings. Response rate was 69 percent, with 582 usable questionnaires returned. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests of significance.

RESULTS

The results showed an overwhelming majority (94 percent) of respondents would be willing to work, at least on occasion, in a LTC facility. However, few were interested in full-time geriatric practice. Those indicating a willingness to practice regularly with the elderly, at least part time, were typically less experienced in their field and more likely to perceive their education as having adequately prepared them to care for older patients.

CONCLUSION

The findings demonstrate dental hygienists' willingness to provide dental care for older adults. To optimize this resource, appropriate education is needed so that students and current practitioners master the distinctive skills necessary to care for this population.