Dental hygiene practice is rapidly evolving in response to emerging evidence on the oral-systemic health connection, advances in preventive technologies, and increased emphasis on individualized, minimally invasive care. A commitment to lifelong learning and continuing professional development is essential for maintaining clinical competence and integrating new scientific knowledge into practice. Biological dental hygiene has emerged as a complementary framework that emphasizes whole-body health, biocompatibility, reduction of toxic exposures, and prevention-centered care. This approach expands traditional dental hygiene practice by incorporating enhanced risk assessment, salivary diagnostics, targeted preventive strategies, as well as patient education focused on nutrition, inflammation reduction, and systemic health influences. This short report describes the principles of biological dental hygiene and its clinical application, including minimally invasive periodontal therapy, risk-based preventive protocols, and the use of biocompatible materials and adjunctive technologies. It also reviews professional development opportunities through the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology and the International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine, which provide structured educational programs, ongoing professional development opportunities, and advanced credentials in biologically oriented oral health care. While these certifications do not alter licensure scope of practice, they support professional development and interdisciplinary collaboration. Biological dental hygiene offers an expanded framework for integrating oral and systemic health considerations into preventive care. Continued engagement in evidence-informed education and professional certification may enhance patient education, clinical decision-making, and overall care delivery within dental hygiene practice.
Purpose There is limited research regarding how work-life balance (WLB) affects job satisfaction, and intention to leave among dental hygienists in clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between WLB, job satisfaction, and turnover intention among dental hygienists.Methods This study used a cross-sectional research design with a convenience sample of dental hygienists (n=274) recruited via social media. The web-based survey consisted of demographics and work characteristics, followed by three previously validated survey instruments: WLB Measure, Job Satisfaction Questionnaire (JSQ), and Turnover Intention Scale (TIS). Descriptive, correlational, and inferential analyses were used.Results The survey completion rate was 76% (n = 209). Participants reported an average WLB of 3.20 (SD = 1.06) and an average JSQ of 3.54 (SD = 0.67) on a scale of 1 to 5. Additionally, participants reported an average TIS of 16.75 (SD = 6.22) on a scale of 6 to 30. A regression analysis with WLB, JSQ, and covariates was done to identify predictors of turnover intention. The model predicted 63% (adjusted R2 = 0.63, F (7, 200) = 47.33, p < .001) of the variance in turnover intention. Lower job satisfaction (JSQ; β = -0.65, t = -13.86, p < .001) and WLB (β = -0.21, t = -3.97, p < .001) predicted higher turnover intention.Conclusion Findings suggested both job satisfaction and WLB were predictors of an employee's turnover intention or intention to leave. These results suggest employers should consider their role in employees' overall WLB, and job satisfaction, considering factors such as workload, communication, opportunities for advancement, and adequate recognition to retain dental hygienists.
Purpose Dental hygienists are uniquely positioned to improve oral and overall health outcomes with evidence-based treatment plans. One recommendation that has yet to see its full potential is the use of stannous fluoride (SnF2) toothpaste. Stannous fluoride is more than just an anticaries agent. Its formulation within a toothpaste offers superior performance in reducing plaque, gingivitis, sensitivity, halitosis, and tooth erosion, while maintaining the sulcular barrier integrity. However, most patients are unaware of these easily available benefits for oral health. This short report highlights the universal efficacy of SnF2 toothpaste, including significant reductions in gingival bleeding as compared with regular fluoride; reviews its proposed mechanisms, including antibacterial and antivirulence activity around teeth and implants as well as substructure remineralization; and explores its potential systemic health impact. The specific formulation of the toothpaste product also affects these factors, emphasizing the value of formulation-specific evidence to inform chairside recommendations. Including a well-formulated SnF2 toothpaste as part of daily oral hygiene leverages an existing behavior and reinforces proper habits for better oral health outcomes.
Purpose Clinical documentation is a critical competency in dental hygiene (DH) education, yet its administrative burden often detracts from patient care. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the perceived impact of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) - assisted documentation system on student workflow efficiency and patient-provider connection to determine students' perceived value of AI integration in the DH curriculum.Methods A prospective, pilot study was conducted with second-year DH students (n = 33) during the Spring 2025 term. Participants used an AI platform designed to convert real-time clinician-patient dialogue into structured notes. Data were collected via self-administered questionnaires at three intervals: baseline, mid-rotation (1 month), and post-rotation (3 months). Outcomes included perceived documentation efficiency, note quality, and patient-provider communication. Data were analyzed using Friedman and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests.Results Baseline data confirmed that traditional documentation hindered workflow (97.0%) and patient-provider connection (81.1%). While mid-rotation results showed only modest improvements, significant shifts occurred by the post-rotation period. Perceived documentation efficiency increased significantly (p = 0.014), with 48.0% of students reporting significant and extreme improvement. Perceived quality of patient connection also improved significantly (p = 0.038), particularly between the mid- and post-rotation phases (p = 0.016). Furthermore, satisfaction with note quality rose substantially (p = 0.005), and initial concerns about the transition to microphone-based recording shifted to broad acceptance.Conclusions Integration of AI-assisted documentation into DH education is highly valued by students. Benefits to efficiency and patient-provider connection emerge following a period of sustained clinical exposure. These findings suggest that AI tools can mitigate administrative burdens, allowing students to prioritize patient-centered care and clinical skill development.
Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential impact on science of post-retraction citations in oral hygiene and caries management literature by examining the characteristics of retracted dental articles.Methods The Retraction Watch Database was the data source used for the descriptive study. The database features lists and reports that identify retracted manuscripts. Retractions were characterized by author, year, location, and reason for the retraction. Articles pertaining to oral hygiene and caries management were retrieved, read, and evaluated according to the following criteria: 1) Presented a potential neutral or minimal impact (the citing article cited general background information from the retraction which was not inaccurate nor based on the results of the retracted manuscript); 2) Presented a potential major negative impact on influencing science (the citing article cited inaccurate information or information based on the retracted article); 3) Unable to determine (behind a paywall, in a study without dates of publication, or otherwise unavailable); or 4) Included a notation that the citation was from a retracted article.Results Of the 64,739 retractions listed in the database, there were 297 dentally related retracted publications (0.46% of all retractions and 0.017% of all dentally related articles published from 2004-2025). Twenty-eight retracted articles addressed oral hygiene and caries management. The 28 articles were cited in a total of 1179 articles with 347 post-retractions. Seventy-four post-retraction citations had a potentially major negative scientific impact, 106 had a potential minor impact, 6 had a notation that the reference being used had been retracted, and the remainder were unable to be evaluated.Conclusion There were relatively few dentally related retractions as a percentage of the total number of publications. However, authors who used retracted articles as citations created a potential negative impact on the presentation and sharing of dental research, specifically in oral hygiene and caries management research.
Purpose Feedback literacy is a pivotal concept in education. Students with well-developed feedback literacy are able to understand, interpret, and implement feedback effectively to improve learning and performance. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a feedback literacy course for dental hygiene students.Methods This study utilized a quantitative randomized control trial comprising a convenience sample of 42 dental hygiene students over two consecutive semesters. The control group received no formal feedback education, while the experimental group completed a feedback literacy module with an in-person feedback workshop, a follow-up in-person reflection activity, and online feedback literacy resources. Feedback Literacy was measured using the Feedback Literacy Scale, where participants self-rated their abilities on a Likert scale. A pre/posttest design was used, paired with supplemental open-ended questions for the experimental group to determine perceived program impact. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data.Results Overall Feedback Literacy posttest mean scores of the experimental group (n = 21) were significantly higher (p < 0.001) when compared to controls (n = 21). The experimental group demonstrated statistically significant improvements in Appreciation of Feedback (p < .001), Positive Attitude toward Feedback (p = .001), and Openness to Feedback (p < .001). Four key concepts emerged from open-ended questions posed to experimental group, namely: valuing feedback, seeking feedback, managing emotions, and enhancing self-assessment.Conclusion Students may benefit from feedback literacy training delivered early in their education. The feedback literacy module helped students value feedback, use self-assessment to identify learning gaps, actively seek feedback, and regulate emotions during feedback.
Purpose Dietary practices play a key role in chronic disease, and dental hygienists are well-positioned to provide person-centered care to enhance oral health and wellness, including nutritional counseling. The purpose of this study was to utilize the 15-item Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and Diet Quality Score (DQS) to explore the correlation between diet, periodontal inflammation, and the risk of periodontal disease.Methods A total of 1,470 patients of record from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry dental hygiene clinic were invited to participate in an electronic survey assessing food frequencies. Responses to the 15-item FFQ were assessed using the DQS and were combined with the participants' bleeding on probing (BOP) and periodontal risk assessment (PRA) scores. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data.Results A response rate of 26% was observed (N = 379). There was a negative correlation between the percentage of BOP sites and DQS scores, indicating an inverse relationship between diet and periodontal inflammation (p = .001). A significant difference in average total DQS scores was found among PRA scores (p = 0.020). Specifically, the low PRA and moderate PRA groups demonstrated a significant difference (p = 0.017). Additionally, significant differences were observed in PRA scores (p < 0.001) and total DQS (p = 0.025), suggesting variations in the risk of periodontal disease and diet quality.Conclusion The use of a 15-item FFQ and a DQS can serve as an effective screening tool for dietary habits as they relate to periodontal inflammation, supporting dental hygienists in identifying dietary risk factors for periodontal disease.
Purpose Radiolucent neoplasms can be identified on dental radiographs in asymptomatic and symptomatic individuals. Examples of these lesions include dentigerous cyst, radicular cyst, odontogenic keratocyst, and ameloblastoma. Many of these lesions require a histologic examination to render the definitive diagnosis. In terms of the ameloblastoma, there are four distinct types of this tumor. These include the conventional ameloblastoma, unicystic ameloblastoma (UA), extraosseous/peripheral ameloblastoma, and metastasizing ameloblastoma. The purpose of this report is to present a case report of a unicystic ameloblastoma found in a 30-year-old female who presented to a general dental practice with a chief complaint of pain and swelling in the mandibular left third molar region. Further evaluation and eventual surgical excision were delayed due to misdiagnosis and delay in performing the biopsy. The definitive diagnosis for this lesion was a benign unicystic ameloblastoma (UA). Due to the size of the defect, the patient required a partial mandibulectomy, reconstructive surgery and placement of two dental implants. While the long-term prognosis for this patient is good, regular surveillance is needed as UA neoplasms have a high recurrence rate. This case study emphasizes the need for oral health care professionals to be vigilant in identifying signs and symptoms of oral disease to support early and accurate diagnosis.
Purpose Dental anxiety is a prevalent condition, impacting adults, adolescents and children worldwide. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, confidence, and willingness to implement dental anxiety management techniques (DAMTs) by dental hygienists (DHs) in North Carolina (NC) as well as the types of DAMTs currently being used by DHs in NC.Methods This cross-sectional study utilized an electronic survey of DHs licensed to practice in NC. An email list provided by the NC Dental Board was used to invite all dental hygiene licentiates (N=7,732) to participate. The 32-item survey included multiple-choice, select-all, Likert-scale, and open-ended on the following categories: demographics, knowledge, education, clinical experience, confidence to treat, and willingness to implement DAMTs. Descriptive statistics, multivariate analysis (p<0.05), and thematic analysis were used for data interpretation.Results A total of 632 NC DHs completed the survey for a response rate of 8.17%. Most (99%, n=622) reported treating a patient with dental anxiety. Over one-third (36%, n=214) reported a lack of education on DAMTs at their educational institution and poor preparation in utilizing DAMTs post-education (4.90 on a 0-10 scale). Verbal DAMTs were more frequently learned during education by participants aged 18-34 compared to participants aged 55+ (p<0.0001). The most frequently recognized and utilized DAMTs were positive reinforcements (96.66%, n=578) and trust building (96.40%, n=536), followed by information (95.32%, n=570) and explanation (93.71%, n=521) and music (84.45%, n=505). Most reported confidence (99.45%, n=544) in treating patients with dental anxiety and willingness (99.25%, n=536) to modify care using DAMTs. Open-ended responses included trust, communication, empathy, and person-centered care.Conclusion Although participants reported regularly treating patients with dental anxiety, there was limited knowledge and utilization of the various types of DAMTs. Respondents expressed interest in continuing dental anxiety management education.
Purpose Recently, charcoal-based oral hygiene products, such as toothpastes, have gained popularity due to their whitening and antibacterial properties. However, there is limited data on charcoal-bristle electric toothbrushes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the coffee stain removal efficacy and enamel surface roughness induced by charcoal and non-charcoal electric toothbrushes with and without toothpaste.Methods Forty-eight prepared tooth enamel samples were divided into four groups: charcoal-electric toothbrush with toothpaste (group 1, n=12), non-charcoal electric toothbrush with toothpaste (group 2, n=12), charcoal-electric toothbrush without toothpaste (group 3, n=12), and non-charcoal electric toothbrush without toothpaste (group 4, n=12). Coffee stains were developed on the specimens, followed by a standardized brushing procedure. Various color parameters, ΔL* (whiteness), Δa* (redness), and Δb* (yellowness), were measured using a spectrophotometer. The ΔE* (color change) was calculated from the ΔL*, Δa*, and Δb* values. The enamel surface roughness (Ra) was evaluated using a 3D non-contact profilometer.Results All groups showed significant whitening (ΔL*), and groups with toothpastes demonstrated the most significant change in ΔE* values, irrespective of the bristle type (p<0.05). Both the bristle types effectively removed the coffee stains when used without toothpaste (p>0.05). However, groups with toothpaste exhibited significantly rougher enamel surfaces (p<0.05).Conclusion Both charcoal and non-charcoal electric toothbrushes effectively removed coffee stains. The toothpaste enhanced the whitening effect but increased enamel roughness. Charcoal-bristled electric toothbrushes did not outperform non-charcoal toothbrushes. Caution is warranted when using these products regularly due to potential surface alterations.
Purpose There has been an increased interest from patients and providers in holistic dentistry for oral health care, however, there is limited information available on the perception and level of integration of holistic dentistry in dental hygiene education. The purpose of this study was to assess dental hygiene students' knowledge and confidence regarding holistic dentistry for oral health care.Methods An 18-item electronic survey was sent to 330 program directors in the United States for distribution to dental hygiene students graduating in the class of 2024. The survey included demographic, Likert scale, open-ended, and sliding scale questions assessing students' knowledge, attitudes, educational exposure, and interest in holistic dentistry and homeopathic ingredients in dental products. The data was recorded in an online survey platform and analyzed with statistical software. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.Results Many respondents (42%, n=138) indicated no familiarity with holistic dentistry and more than half (60%, n=197) did not feel comfortable when discussing holistic dentistry with their patients. There was a relationship between the level of familiarity with holistic dentistry and confidence when this care option with patients (p<0.05). A low number of respondents were familiar with diagnostic tests used in holistic dentistry such as pH level, saliva, and microbiology; however, most were not familiar with coral calcium, nano-silver, lemongrass oil, green tea-based extract ingredients. Respondents indicated having learned about holistic dentistry in nutrition (42%, n=138) and pharmacology (41%, n=135), biomaterials (23%, n=75) or other courses (19%, n=62). Respondents learned about holistic dentistry from searching online (49%) or social media platforms (48%, n=157). However, 44% (n=157) thought it was important to be integrated into dental hygiene program curricula.Conclusion Although most respondents were not familiar with holistic dentistry and did not feel comfortable discussing it with their patients, they expressed an interest in learning more about it and valued the importance of integrating holistic oral health care into their dental hygiene curriculum.
Dental hygiene (DH) education is grounded in evidence-based practice (EBP), requiring graduates to critically evaluate and apply scientific literature in clinical decision-making. However, widespread gaps in academic literacy, particularly in reading comprehension, writing, and research synthesis, pose significant challenges for undergraduate DH students transitioning from novice learners to competent practitioners. This short report examines the role of academic literacy as a foundational component of DH education and its alignment with the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) standards. Drawing on evidence from nursing and allied health education, this paper highlights strategies to strengthen academic literacy through curriculum innovation, including writing-enriched curricula, scaffolding assignments, active learning, portfolio assessment, and the ethical integration of generative artificial intelligence. Additionally, the importance of faculty development, interprofessional collaboration, and librarian partnerships are emphasized to support both teaching efficacy and student success. By embedding academic literacy longitudinally across the curriculum, DH programs can better prepare undergraduates to engage in research, think critically, and deliver high-quality, person- centered care. Advancing academic literacy supports not only accreditation standards but also creates a foundation for the development of future leaders, educators, and researchers in the dental hygiene profession.
Purpose Preventive dentistry prioritizes oral health promotion (OHP), the practice of actively teaching children and their caregivers about proper oral hygiene habits. The purpose of this study was to examine the oral health curriculum, clinical experiences, and OHP; the role of these experiences on current clinical practice and the perceptions of importance and confidence in providing pediatric care among dental hygienists recently licensed in the state of Utah.Methods Dental hygienists licensed in the state of Utah between 2022 and 2024 were invited to participate in a 20-item electronic survey about educational experiences and current clinical practices related to pediatric OHP. The survey included curriculum characteristics, the number and age of pediatric patients treated, confidence in treating age groups 1-6 and 7-12 upon graduation, the importance placed on 12 individual OHP topics, and whether previous education translated to clinical practice. Relationships among variables were assessed by statistical analyses.Results One-hundred dental hygienists accepted the invitation to participate for a 16.1% response rate. Most (86%) held a bachelor's degree. Educational experiences were significantly correlated with the importance of providing pediatric OHP in clinical practice (p<0.01). Seven out of the twelve individual topics also showed significant correlations between education received and perceived importance (p<0.03). While most (55%) felt very confident treating 7-12-year-olds, only 34% were very confident treating patients aged 1-6 years. Confidence levels were associated with the number of patients treated during dental hygiene education, with patients aged 7-12 years statistically significant (p<0.01).Conclusions Adequate educational experiences on all OHP topics as well as pediatric clinical encounters need to be ensured within dental hygiene curricula so that all graduates perceive the importance of oral health promotion when providing pediatric care and have the confidence to care for patients aged 1-12 years.
Purpose Research has shown that calculus detection and removal present a persistent challenge in dentistry. The purpose of this scoping review was to determine the amount of literature regarding the use of dental radiographs for calculus detection and removal following nonsurgical periodontal therapy.Methods The following questions guided the review: 1) To what extent are radiographs incorporated into clinical practice for calculus detection and what factors influence their use or limitations? 2) What role do radiographs play in verifying the effectiveness of calculus removal during periodontal therapy? 3) Should a protocol or clinical guideline for use of dental radiographs post-nonsurgical periodontal therapy be considered? Following PRISMA guidelines, an online search of PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, JBI EBP Database, and Web of Science was conducted. Inclusion criteria were studies conducted on the presence of dental calculus, calculus detection, calculus removal and evaluation methods. Studies with a sample size of fewer than thirty, studies on implants, animals, in vitro studies, and research that did not include calculus detection or removal in the topic were excluded from the review.A total of 346 articles underwent title and abstract screening by three separate reviewers for assessment against the inclusion criteria for the review.Results A total of 59 studies met the inclusion criteria for the scoping review. Only two of the articles explicitly mentioned using radiographs to detect calculus. While a wide range of techniques were employed for calculus detection and removal, no single method was universally effective, and many studies acknowledged the persistent challenge of residual calculus post-nonsurgical periodontal treatment.Conclusion When combined with traditional calculus detection methods, the use of radiographs alone, or in combination with AI techniques, may prove beneficial post-nonsurgical periodontal therapy. While the concept of assessing subgingival calculus via radiographs is not novel, findings highlight a significant gap in the literature validating its effectiveness. Additionally, research on AI assisted radiographic calculus detection should be focused on in-vivo studies to reflect real scenarios and whether these techniques improve patient outcomes.
Purpose Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly used in health professions education, yet little is known about dental hygiene students' knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to AI. The purpose of this descriptive, cross-sectional program-based evaluation was to gather student input on knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to AI to guide curriculum integration planning.Methods A 38-item questionnaire was administered to 120 dental hygiene students across five different cohorts at a single institution. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze responses, with significance set at p<0.05.Results All students (N=120) completed the survey. mean knowledge score was 64.5% ± 1.39 with the highest mean observed among the most senior students (69% ± 1.3). Knowledge was strongest in machine learning approaches and in understanding AI's nature and limitations, and weakest in clinical application. Nearly 90% agreed that ethical concerns about AI deserve greater attention, while 19% felt comfortable with AI independently evaluating a patient's oral health. In practice, most reported using AI tools for academic learning such as summarizing course material (71%), whereas fewer used AI for creative applications such as image generation (23%). One-way ANOVA comparisons found no significant difference between cohorts in the knowledge domain (p> 0.05). Cohorts differed significantly in their attitudes about using AI responsibly in the clinical setting as well as their use of AI to study for tests and prepare study aids (p<0.05).Conclusion Students exhibited a basic understanding of AI but lacked depth in areas related to regulation and data quality. Attitudes were positive toward responsibility and ethics yet concerns about AI's impact on clinical judgment and patient care were observed. In practice, AI was used primarily for academic learning, less for creative tasks. Findings underscored the need for curricular strategies that ensure all students receive consistent preparation in ethical, practical, and responsible AI use.
Purpose Mouthrinses contain inactive ingredients (e.g., solvents, such as alcohol) and active ingredients (e.g., antimicrobials, such as essential oils [EOs]) that work in combination to control gingival inflammation and regulate the oral microbiome. The purpose of this one-day, examiner-blind, randomized, parallel-group-controlled clinical trial was to understand the effect of different EO-containing mouthrinses, with and without alcohol, on salivary flow and pH.Methods Subjects aged ≥18 years were recruited to participate in a one-day trial conducted at an independent research center. Salivary flow and pH were measured following a regimen of brushing and rinsing with an EO-containing mouthrinse versus brushing and rinsing with a water rinse control (BW). Eligible participants were assigned 1:1:1:1 to the BW group or one of three EO-containing mouthrinse groups. Change in salivary flow and pH after a single use of an EO-containing mouthrinse compared to the BW group was assessed at 0 (salivary flow only), then at 2.5, 5, 10, 15, and 30 minutes.Results A total of 159 subjects completed the clinical trial. At 30 minutes following the intervention, the mean salivary flow was similar across all groups. The mean salivary pH increased in all groups through 15 minutes before returning to near-baseline levels by 30 minutes (all of which were within the normal oral pH range of 6.2-7.6). No adverse events were reported.Conclusion The inclusion of alcohol in the tested mouthrinse formulations did not affect salivary flow or pH compared with the alcohol-free mouthrinses, indicating that a single use of either an alcohol-containing or alcohol-free EO-containing mouthrinse does not contribute to oral dryness. Future trials investigating the long-term use of mouthrinses and their effect on salivary flow and pH will help to build on the current evidence base and inform clinical decision-making.
