Date of Graduation

2000

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MS

Committee Chair

Christina DeBiase

Abstract

Recent progress in understanding periodontal disease, combined with advances in the design and efficiency of powered scaling instruments suggest the need to reexamine the use of powered scaling instruments. A literature review reveals a lack of information addressing the extent of utilization of these instruments by dental hygienists. However, the literature is replete with information recommending the use of these devices in the treatment of periodontal disease. Information describing the knowledge level dental hygienists posses about ultrasonic/sonics and their current philosophy for using these instruments is needed. The purpose of this study was to determine how dental hygienists use powered scaling instruments and their philosophy of using these instruments. A 29-item survey instrument was developed by a team of three dental hygienists and one hygienist/periodontist; all educators. Survey topic areas included: degree/program and employment demographics, subgingival/supragingival use, ultrasonic/sonic philosophy of use, frequency of use, reasons for non-use, type of tip insert(s) used, power/water settings and patient/operator comfort. A 51 % response rate (n=374) was achieved. It was found that West Virginia hygienists are aware of the changing philosophy regarding the use of power scalers for periodontal debridement and that use has increased and changed from merely gross scaling supragingivally to more thorough subgingival periodontal debridement.

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