Surveyed dental hygiene programs to determine the prevalence of distance education use. Found that 22 percent have distance education, and that most were satisfied with it as an adequate alternative to traditional approaches. (EV)

A proceedings summary of the American Association of Dental Schools' 76th annual meeting lists and abstracts 247 presentations on a wide variety of topics related to dental education and dental practice. Presentations are also indexed by author, subject, and keyword. (MSE)

Describes the three-step process used to develop a competency-based curriculum at the Caruth School of Dental Hygiene (Texas A&M University). The process involved development of a competency document (detailing three domains, nine major competencies, and 54 supporting competencies), an evaluation plan, and a curriculum inventory which defined…

Examined the predictive reliability of incoming grade point average (GPA), incoming math/science GPA, and Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores in predicting success in dental hygiene education. Found that GPA was the most significant predictor of success. (EV)

A 1990 survey of 196 first- and second-year dental hygiene students at 5 colleges and universities investigated their knowledge of transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Incomplete knowledge and some confusion was found, but little difference was found between first- and second-year students. (MSE)

A program for training dental nurses in Surinam is described whose objective is to alleviate a serious labor shortage. Its unique characteristics include an extra year of training for advanced techniques, absence of direct supervision, and acceptance by the national professional association for dentists. (MSE)

Models for associate and bachelors degree programs training dental hygienists are proposed as a step in eliminating technical training for dental hygiene education and in delineating roles for the graduates of two- and four-year programs. They outline clinical and professional skills, practice settings, and supervision levels for each group. (MSE)

A study to determine differences between graduating and withdrawing students in the University of Minnesota Dental Hygiene program is discussed. The identification of differences may prove useful in the selection process for future classes through identification of students likely to complete their education. (MLW)

As increasingly diverse dental hygienists treat an increasingly diverse population, education will have to be more flexible than current allied health education. Existing nursing education and practice models are examples of effective educational change. However, alterations should be part of a national plan for change in education and practice.…

A study documented the number of x-rays acquired during screening and subsequent treatment of patients for a state dental hygiene licensing examination for 109 candidates. Results indicate that patient exposure guidelines attempt to minimize radiographic exposure but that some exposures should be reevaluated for need and effect on patients. (MSE)

A survey of 429 general dentists attempted to verify anecdotal reports of ethical lapses in clinical dental licensing examinations. It found significant occurrence of not arranging followup care for the patient even though indicated, intentional creation of lesions, premature treatment for the purpose of the examinations, coercing patients into…

Guidelines developed by the Sections of Biochemistry and Nutrition and Dental Hygiene Education of the American Association of Dental Schools are intended for use by individual educational institutions as curriculum development aids. (MLW)

The greatest gap between disadvantaged minorities and nonminorities in America is thought to be found in the health status of and the health care availability to minorities as compared to nonminorities. Insufficient minority health personnel is seen as one of the factors contributing to the problem. (MLW)

A study of 144 patients assigned to eight orthodontic residents over two years found residents requested lateral tomograms of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) 28% of the time, commonly citing TMJ clicking, pain, and medico-legal protection. Posteroanterior cephalograms were ordered 26% of the time, commonly for facial asymmetry and maxillary…

A study of 410 University of Texas (Houston) dental school graduates taking the Texas State Dental Board Examination immediately after graduation did not identify any characteristics strongly predicting success or failure, although there was a weak but insignificant relationship between class rank and passing. However, the fact that most test…