Attitudes of Virginia Dentists Toward Dental Therapists

<p>Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine perceptions of Virginia (VA) dentists toward Mid-Level Dental Providers, specifically dental therapists (DT), and determine if American Dental Association (ADA) membership affected attitudes. Methods: After IRB approval, data was collected with an online survey sent to 1208 VA dentists. Participants responded to 11 Likert type scale questions ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 7 (strongly agree) assessing their attitudes toward DTs. Participants also responded to questions regarding the appropriate level of education and supervision of a DT, as well as five demographic questions. Two multiple linear regression models were used to determine (1) if years of practice and comfort in allowing the DT perform procedures predict tolerance toward DTs and (2) if membership in the ADA and comfort allowing the DT perform procedures predict tolerance toward DTs. Statistically significant differences for Likert type scale questions were determined using a one-sample t-test and compared to a neutral rating of 4.</p> <p>Results: An overall response rate of 12% was obtained (n=145). Most participants were males (73%), members of ADA (84%), and over the age of 40 (65%). Results suggest that most participants did not perceive (M= 1.90, p<0.001) a DT was needed in Virginia, and did not support (M= 2.08, p<0.001) legislation for a dental therapist model. Most participants (M=2.01, p<0.001) were not comfortable having a dental therapist perform authorized procedures or ever employing one in their practice (M=1.82, p<0.001). Comfort having a DT perform authorized procedures (b= .63, p<0.001), but not years of practice (b= -.09, p=0.18), was significantly associated with support for a DT. Additionally, a lower tolerance towards DTs was associated with an increased likelihood membership in the ADA (b= .14, p=0.04). </p> <p>Conclusions: Virginia dentists surveyed have negative attitudes toward DTs. Findings support the need for more research with a larger and more diverse sample.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MS)

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Dental Hygiene

Year dc:date.available

2020

Author dc:creator

• Howell, Adaira Latrece

Contributors dc:contributor

• Susan L. Tolle
• Emily Ludwig
• Denise Claiborne

• Attitudes
• Dental hygiene
• Dental therapists
• Dentists
• Oral health
• Dentistry

Statement dc:rights

• <p>In Copyright. URI: <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/</a> This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).</p>

Identifier

9798641373652

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalcommons.odu.edu:dentalhygiene_etds-1017