Dental Hygiene ETDs

Publication Date

Fall 12-2025

Abstract

This study analyzes the prospective of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nurse and the importance of oral hygiene delivery to ventilated patients within the ICU. The results of the study analyze the correlation of oral hygiene care performed by the ICU nurse and the probability of developing ventilator associated pneumonia, which is a prevalent infection in the intensive care units. A descriptive research method was used, sent out via email, using a likert- like ordinal scale. The survey was sent to two urban hospital intensive care units, the population included ICU nurses (n=17) from the same urban city. The ICU nurses within this study show complete awareness of the importance of oral health of ventilated patients, with 59% of ICU nurses strongly agreeing that oral hygiene is a high priority for mechanically ventilated patients. As well as 65% of ICU nurses agreeing that having a dental hygienist perform oral hygiene will improve the nursing workflow for ICU nurses. This study demonstrated a clear and consistent belief among ICU nurses that a dental hygienist would be a valuable and beneficial member of the ICU interdisciplinary team.

Degree Name

Dental Hygiene

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Dental Medicine

First Committee Member (Chair)

Christine Nathe

Second Committee Member

Angela Cook

Third Committee Member

Nicole Gonzales

Document Type

Thesis

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