Dental Hygiene ETDs

Publication Date

Spring 5-16-2026

Abstract

This study assessed dental hygienists’ views on salivary diagnostic testing in the United States, including awareness, utilization, perceived barriers, and whether years of experience, clinical setting, or education level influenced these views. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used to collect data via an 18-item email survey distributed through the American Dental Hygienists’ Association’s mailing list. Eligible participants were licensed dental hygienists currently practicing in the United States. The survey included demographic items and Likert-scale questions on knowledge, clinical use, perceived value, and limitations of salivary diagnostic testing. Survey responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics, frequency distributions and Spearman correlations. Despite high awareness and perceived clinical value, utilization of salivary diagnostics remains limited by financial, educational, and workplace barriers. Increased access to training and professional support may improve implementation. Strong interest in further education suggests an opportunity to expand evidence-based use of salivary diagnostics in patient care.

Degree Name

Dental Hygiene

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Dental Medicine

First Committee Member (Chair)

Angela Cook

Second Committee Member

Christine Nathe

Third Committee Member

Nicole Gonzales

Language

English

Keywords

Salivary Diagnostics, Dental Hygiene, Saliva Test, Periodontal Pathogen

Document Type

Thesis

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