Dental Hygiene ETDs

Publication Date

Summer 5-9-2024

Abstract

Research shows that proper tongue posture can impact quality of life, stability of the mouth, and have effects on overall wellness. Dental hygienists have a unique position to be able to identify tongue placement disorders. The objective of this study was to identify to what extent dental hygiene students are being taught orofacial myofunction during dental hygiene education. A survey link was emailed to all program directors in the United States regarding the teaching of orofacial myofunction within their respective programs. Using descriptive analysis, 44%, or less than half reported that their program curriculum includes teaching students proper resting position of the tongue. The conclusion is that there may be an opportunity to enhance the standard of clinical assessment curriculum to add teaching proper tongue posture to dental hygiene students in the US and to conduct further assessment research.

Degree Name

Dental Hygiene

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Dental Medicine

First Committee Member (Chair)

Christine Nathe

Second Committee Member

Christina Calleros

Third Committee Member

Robin Gatlin

Language

English

Keywords

Dental Hygiene, Myofunctional Therapy

Document Type

Thesis

Additional Files
Kelly Brackeen Info cover sheet.pdf (154 kB)
Information Cover Sheet
Brackeen CFF - signed.pdf (116 kB)
Certificate of Final Form
Kelly Brackeen electronic release - signed.pdf (222 kB)
EDT release
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