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
Recommended Citation
Gallegos, Kayla J. and Christine Nathe. "Oral Hygiene in Intensive Care Units: A Survey on Protocol." (2019). https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/dehy_etds/29