Dental Hygiene ETDs

Publication Date

Fall 12-13-2025

Abstract

This study evaluated the incorporation of salivary diagnostic testing in dental hygiene program curricula. A recruitment email and survey link were sent to a convenience sample of 296 CODA-accredited program directors in the United States. Using a descriptive research approach, the survey gathered quantitative and qualitative data exploring directors’ perspectives on the role of salivary testing in dental hygiene education. Thirty-seven responses were gathered over three weeks, and 34 participants were included in the study, resulting in a response rate of 13%. Thirty-eight percent (n=13) reported incorporating salivary testing into their dental hygiene program curriculum through didactic or clinical coursework. Program directors reported offering clinical education by having students collect salivary samples for laboratory evaluation, while some incorporated the technique for classroom purposes. The survey results determined that some programs have incorporated salivary testing into their curriculum, but more research is needed to address the limitations of the study.

Degree Name

Dental Hygiene

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Dental Medicine

First Committee Member (Chair)

Christina Calleros

Second Committee Member

Christine Nathe

Third Committee Member

Angela Cook

Language

English

Keywords

Salivary Testing, Oral Microbiome, Oral Dysbiosis, Homeostasis, Biomarker Periodontal Disease

Document Type

Thesis

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