Date of Award
Fall 12-2020
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Dental Hygiene
Committee Director
Susan Lynn Tolle
Committee Member
Emily A. Ludwig
Committee Member
Jessica R. Suedbeck
Abstract
Problem: The purpose of this study was to determine the opinions and attitudes of Virginia dental hygienists toward dental therapists (DTs) and to determine if current education level and years of practice affected opinions regarding education requirements for DTs. Methods: After IRB approval, a 22-item questionnaire was distributed online to a convenience sample of 910 Virginia dental hygienists. Questions assessed attitudes of participants toward the DT using a seven-point Likert-type scale ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 7 (strongly agree). Additionally, participants were asked to respond to demographic questions and open-ended questions about potential advantages and/or disadvantages to DTs. Independent sample t-tests and chi-square analysis was used to analyze results. Results: An overall response rate of 22% was obtained (n=200). Most respondents agreed a DT was needed in Virginia (M=5.78, P
DOI
10.25777/97b5-7v27
ISBN
9798557053099
Recommended Citation
Burns, Helene M..
"Attitudes of Virginia Dental Hygienists Toward Dental Therapists"
(2020). Master of Science (MS), Thesis, Dental Hygiene, Old Dominion University, DOI: 10.25777/97b5-7v27
https://digitalcommons.odu.edu/dentalhygiene_etds/18