Physicians’ perceptions of the role of the dental hygienist in interprofessional collaboration: a pilot study

ABSTRACT

Shifts in healthcare models, and greater numbers of patients seeking care, has encouraged professional organizations to recommend collaborative healthcare teams. In the realm of oral health, the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) and the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) have set recommendations that interprofessional collaboration (IPC) be emphasized in the profession. The purpose of this study was to determine physicians’ perceptions of the role of the dental hygienist in IPC. A pilot study utilizing a nonprobability sampling method which included a purposive sample of 30 licensed physicians was conducted. The survey addressed: personal experiences with a dental hygienist, dental hygienists’ roles working in collaboration with physicians, experiences with IPC, benefits of working with dental hygienists, barriers, and demographics. The majority (77.7%) supported the concept that dental hygienists have the necessary education and are important in IPC. Over 77.7% indicated dental hygienists would add value to a medical practice. Time and transfer of data were identified as primary obstacles in working collaboratively with dental hygienists. Findings revealed dental hygienists have the necessary education to be valuable members of IPC teams. Future research is needed to broaden the scope of studies among dental hygienists and other members of IPC teams.

KEYWORDS:

• Interprofessional care
• interprofessional collaboration
• interdisciplinary
• multidisciplinary

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jessica Luebbers

Jessica Luebbers is an Assistant Professor in the dental hygiene department at the Oregon Institute of Technology.

JoAnn Gurenlian

JoAnn Gurenlian is a Professor and graduate program director  in the dental hygiene department at Idaho State University.

Jacqueline Freudenthal

Jacqueline Freudenthal is an Associate Professor and department chair for the undergraduate dental hygiene program at Idaho State University.