Dental Hygiene Essay Example

in British Columbia, dental hygienists are authorized to provide care as long as the dentist has conducted a comprehensive dental examination within the past year.

According to Clovis (2000), dental hygienists have created special techniques that significantly enhance oral health and disease prevention, making self-regulation a feasible option for many of them. Clovis (2000) also proposes the efficient utilization of dental hygienists in providing primary oral health care at primary health centers. Moreover, an obstacle they might encounter is the growing feminization of the profession, which originated in Canada in 1979.

According to a study conducted by Clovis in 1999, approximately 98% of dental hygienists in Canada are women. In the dental field, there is often a paternalistic relationship between dentists and hygienists. In 1914, Dr. A. Fones believed that women were preferred as hygienists because they were seen as more honest and reliable compared to men. This preference for women providing dental care is also evident when treating children. It reflects the typical dynamic within a household where the father usually makes important decisions while the mother takes care of the children (Clovis, J., 2000). Dentists and hygienists follow a similar pattern, with hygienists not having decision-making authority but rather offering care under dentist supervision.

Dental hygienists are able to provide independent care, which sets them apart from other dental auxiliary staff that need supervision from a dentist. The reason behind this is that hygienists have received less education and training compared to dentists, making them a more cost-effective choice for basic care.

Clovis (2000) states that the income generated by dental hygienists contributes significantly to a dentist's earnings. In

contrast to the United States, Canada officially acknowledged dental hygienists as a health occupation in 1947. Among Canadian provinces, Ontario was the first to embrace dental hygienists (CDHO, 2007). Within Canada, around 85% of dental hygienists are employed by dentists, with the remaining 15% working in the public sector. Dental hygienists have largely fulfilled professional standards and requirements.

Dental hygienists meet the attribute theory by practicing autonomously and utilizing their skill, technical knowledge, and independent scientific research to ensure evidence-based treatment. They recognize the importance of conducting profession-specific research (Clovis, J., 1999).

Dental hygienists aim to improve patients' quality of life by promoting and preserving oral health, as well as emphasizing preventive measures to avoid a decline in quality of life (Clovis, J., 1999). The attribute theory states that professionals should have sufficient education, often measured by the level of education attained. In Canada, dental hygiene education is typically undertaken in colleges and leads to a diploma-level qualification.

In 1968, the importance of implementing a baccalaureate system was acknowledged. Several universities are now taking steps to establish these programs (Clovis, J., 1999). Specialization is a key aspect within the attribute theory, and dental hygiene, as the sole science focused on oral disease prevention, necessitates extensive specialization. It is crucial to further develop educational programs and research in order to position dental hygiene as a highly specialized field in the future (Clovis, J., 1999). A study was conducted in Alberta, Canada in 1999.

A study conducted by Edgington E. et al (2000) involved surveying around 1200 individuals from both rural and urban areas to assess their preference for independent dental hygienists providing services. The

results showed that more than 65% of the participants were willing to receive treatment from independent hygienists. They believed that these hygienists effectively maintained oral health, provided an additional option for promoting oral care, and were more cost-effective compared to traditional dentists. It is important to note that in several states across the United States, Registered Dental Hygienists Alternative Practitioners (RDHAP) have legal authorization to practice independently as alternative practitioners.

Despite the fact that dental hygienists can practice under the prescription of a dentist, Kate Zimmermann, an RDHAP in California, has successfully opened her own alternative dental practice and launched a mobile dental unit. Being one of the pioneers in establishing an independent practice after legal changes, she is highly preferred by patients compared to other dental practitioners (Zimmemann, K., 2006). Unfortunately, studies indicate that decay rates and gum disease rates have actually risen despite advancements in oral healthcare services and increased awareness about maintaining good oral hygiene.

In order to improve the oral health of the population, dental hygienists require greater credibility. The ADA started promoting increased research and the adoption of evidence-based practice by dental hygienists in 1997. They also emphasized the importance of understanding the connection between oral health and systemic diseases.

The ADHA established a working group in 2002 consisting of dental hygienists. This group convenes annually and coordinates research studies, enabling hygienists from various areas to exchange their thoughts and convictions. Consequently, shared concepts and procedures have emerged within the profession (ADHA, 2005). Furthermore, Ontario introduced the Regulated Health Professions Act in 1993, which granted dental hygienists the independence to conduct scaling, root planing, and gingival tissue

curettage.

Following protests from dentists, the act that allowed hygienists to treat patients without a dentist's order was withdrawn (CDHO, 2007). However, dental hygienists all agreed that their profession was emerging, but those working in different sectors had different perceptions. Dentists, on the other hand, considered hygienists to be competent professionals and preferred to have control over them in the future (Lautar C, 1996).