Current Radiation Safety Practices of United States Dental Hygienists

Problem: The purpose of this study was to determine licensed dental hygienists’ current radiation safety practices. Methods: Data was collected with a 22 item, IRB exempt online survey administered to a sample of 1,500 U.S. dental hygienists who were subscribers of a professional journal. Questions focused on respondents’ use of ADA selection criteria guidelines, policies implemented by their dental practice, and hand-held portable x-ray device use and training. A response rate of 38% (N=566) was obtained. Cross tabulations were obtained using logistic regression and general linear models for significance at a 0.05 level. Results: A majority of respondents had an associate’s degree (62%), participated in a radiology course for two semesters or less (84%), and were aged 55 and above (41%) with 31 or more years of experience (38%). Dental hygienists were significantly more likely to select the appropriate criteria for determining radiographic need with more years of experience (p=0.0340; SE=0.1093). Dental hygienists with a bachelor’s degree or higher were significantly more likely to use radiographic techniques that reduce radiation exposure than those with an Associate’s degree (p=0.0080; SE=0.0169). Only 57% of respondents who currently use a hand-held portable x-ray device received training prior to use. Respondents were significantly more likely to wear a clinician lead apron when using a hand-held device if they had recently taken dental radiation safety continuing education (CE) courses (p=0.0093; M=1.571; SD=1.222). Conclusion: Dental hygienists with more years of experience, a higher level of education, and recent CE course work were more likely to follow the ADA selection criteria guidelines and use the appropriate technique to reduce exposure to ionizing radiation

Maintaining Effective Infection Control Protocol

The safety of clinicians and patients in the dental office rests on adherence to evidence-based infection control standards

Promote Ergonomic Health

A wide array of interventions and therapies is available to help dental hygienists stay healthy and reduce pain

Radiation Safety Practices of Dental Hygienists in the United States

Purpose: The As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) principle was developed to promote awareness and minimization of radiation exposure and is supported by radiation control and professional organizations. The purpose of this study was to determine licensed dental hygienists\u27 current radiation safety practices. Methods: Data were collected with a 22 item, online survey administered to a convenience sample of 1,500 dental hygienists in the United States. Questions focused on respondents\u27 use of the American Dental Association (ADA) radiographic examination selection guidelines, their individual dental practice policies, and hand-held portable x-ray device use and training. Cross tabulations were obtained using logistic regression and general linear models for significance at a 0.05 level. Results: A response rate of 38% (n = 566) was obtained. A majority of respondents had an associate\u27s degree (62%), were over the age of 55 (41%), and had over 30 years of experience. Respondents with more years of experience were more likely to follow the ADA selection criteria for radiographic need (p=0.0340; SE=0.1093) and respondents with a bachelor\u27s degree or higher were more likely to use techniques to reduce radiation exposure than those with an associate\u27s degree (p=0.0080; SE=0.0169). Respondents who had recently taken dental radiation safety continuing education courses were significantly more likely to wear a clinician lead apron when using a hand-held x-ray device (p=0.0093; M=1.571; SD=1.222). Conclusion: Dental hygienists with more years of experience, a higher level of education, and recent CE course work were more likely to follow ADA radiographic examination selection guidelines and use appropriate techniques to reduce exposure to ionizing radiation

A Case Study Exploring William & Mary Military Alums\u27 Experiences with Career Transition

Background: The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand William & Mary (W&M) Master of Business Administration (MBA) military alums’ experiences with their career transitions post-graduation and the influence of the program on their experiences. Methods: This study utilized a case study design, including focus groups and interviews with 21 alums from the last 10 years and formal, semi-structured interviews with six current faculty and staff. We used Schlossberg’s (1981) individuals’ situation, self, support, and strategies to analyze data using thematic analysis, and then iteratively reducing codes into themes. Results: Demographic findings showed a lack of diversity, such as women, people of color, and LGBTQ+. Our findings indicated participants’ perceptions of the program’s impact on their transitions were positive. We recognized academic and career development resources, impact of military on transitions, and offering of the Executive Partner Program. Our research recognized influential policies and networks and determined the importance of human networks. Lastly, we identified a lack of reported disabilities and shared experiences of minorities. Conclusions: We found that active-duty alums’ situations differed from veterans due to delayed transitions into the civilian workforce. Our participants shared different supports used, such as the Center for Military Transition (CMT), the Executive Director of the CMT, the Graduate Career Management Center, and the Executive Partners Program. Networking and use of transition coaches also benefited military alums