Date of Graduation
2000
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Type
MS
Committee Chair
Christina DeBiase
Abstract
Although forty-six of the fifty states (92%) currently require continuing dental education (CDE) course attendance to maintain licensure in dental hygiene, a wide range of continuing education requirements exists. The purpose of this study was to survey registered dental hygienists regarding their perceptions and experiences of continuing education and the existence and extent of competency assessments conducted at continuing education courses attended. A 28 question survey was mailed to licensed dental hygienists residing in West Virginia (n=780) and Colorado (n=1130). Although continuing education continues to be a viable method of gaining knowledge and enhancing skills, CDE course assessment of competencies is limited and no standard for content and credit hours exist. A nationwide structured approval process for CDE courses for dental hygienists will guide the providers and presenters to: (1) prepare and present evidence-based courses and materials, and (2) provide a method to assess knowledge, skill, and stages of competency achieved.
Recommended Citation
Self, Jill L., "Continuing education in dental hygiene: Assessment of content and competencies." (2000). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. 10484.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/10484