Dental Hygiene ETDs

Publication Date

Summer 7-15-2019

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to learn about various Intensive Care Units’ current oral hygiene care protocols, nurses’ values, and interests in interprofessional collaboration with a dental professional. An online survey was created and intended recipients included 1,696 members of the Trauma ICU Nurses/Critical Care Medicine Facebook page. Participants were asked about their value of oral hygiene, oral hygiene education, and interest in interprofessional collaboration. Of the 1,696 nurses 34 (2%) opted to participate in this survey study. Findings from this study suggest that these nurses’ value oral health in themselves and in patients. Half of the survey participants reported that their nursing education did prepare them in performing oral hygiene care, but also reported that they did not have proper resources for assistance. The sample of nurses were receptive to interprofessional collaboration with dental professionals to assist in hands on learning as well as steps to ensure accountability.

Degree Name

Dental Hygiene

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Dental Medicine

First Committee Member (Chair)

Christine Nathe, RDH, MS

Second Committee Member

Diana Aboytes, RDH, MS

Third Committee Member

Christina Calleros, RDH, MS

Language

English

Keywords

Dental, Hygiene, Intensive Care, Protocol

Document Type

Thesis

Download

Share

COinS