Screening for disparities in dental hygiene
Researchers explored whether a new screening approach can help dental hygienists identify patients with health disparities.
In a two-part study published in the Journal of Dental Hygiene, researchers examined the feasibility of incorporating social determinants of health screenings and referrals into the clinical practices of dental hygiene students at an educational clinic. They asked more than 200 adult patients and 15 dental hygiene students to complete questionnaires regarding their experiences.
The patients with identified social determinants of health needs — most commonly issues related to personal safety, emotional well-being, transportation and barriers to care — were referred to community resources and received follow-up phone calls. Because of time constraints, a small proportion of those who received referrals used their referrals. Further, the dental hygiene students reported increased awareness and empathy when considering social determinants of health-related challenges.
The findings demonstrated the potential to integrate social determinants of health screenings and referrals into dental hygiene education. However, further studies are needed prior to expanding the practice into clinical settings.
Read more: Journal of Dental Hygiene
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