Dental Hygiene ETDs

Publication Date

Spring 5-8-2020

Abstract

ABSTRACT Dental hygienists, like most students, learn according to formal curriculum that is defined by goals, competencies, and required subject matter for examinations.1 They also learn through an intense socialization process known as “the hidden curriculum”. The “hidden curriculum” is not defined in student textbooks nor classroom lectures, but is demonstrated through case studies, research, and an experience shared between colleagues.1 The purpose of this study was to assess the determining factors that influence what dental hygiene instructors are teaching hygiene students on the use of articaine when administering dental blocks, and to assess if the “hidden curriculum” concerning 4% articaine, raises objections or concerns when teaching the use 4% articaine while administering the inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB). Topics were explored by means of an online survey of which 70 dental hygiene instructors responded. Of the 70 dental hygiene instructor responses, 7-8% (n=10-12) of the participants did not answer all of the survey questions. Some questions were skipped as they were not applicable, and others for reasons unspecified. Results of this study showed that the controversy surrounding the use of 4% articaine when giving the IANB not only influenced what dental hygiene instructors taught dental hygiene students, but it also influenced their personal selection of anesthetic during patient treatment.

Degree Name

Dental Hygiene

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Dental Medicine

First Committee Member (Chair)

Christine Nathe, RDH, MS

Second Committee Member

Demetra Logothetis, RDH, MS

Third Committee Member

Orrin Myers, BSTT, PhD

Language

English

Keywords

Paresthesia, Socialism, Hidden Curriculum

Document Type

Thesis

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