Focus on Ohio dentistry最新文献

In 1991, we found that 23 percent of Ohio dentists sterilized handpieces between patients and 67 percent flushed handpieces between patients. In this study, we chose to investigate the changes in handpiece asepsis within Ohio dental offices for the twelve-month period ending August, 1992. Sixty-two percent of the 730 offices polled responded to the questionnaire. Offices reporting sterilization of handpieces between patients in 1992 is 80 percent compared to 23 percent in 1991. Sixty-nine percent of offices in the 1992 survey reported that they have changed infection control protocol to include heat sterilization of handpieces between patients while 24 percent report disinfection between patients. Back order of equipment, inadequate number of handpieces and fear of damage is cited by the offices using disinfection as the reasons for not sterilizing handpieces. Flushing handpieces between patients is reported by 83 percent of the offices. Previously, only 67 percent flushed between patients. Anti-retraction valves are present in 69 percent of the water lines. Breakdown of handpieces attributed to sterilization was reported by 45 percent of the offices. Two-hundred and three offices (45 percent) report questions from patients regarding office infection control policies. Infection control awareness of the general population and implementation of these procedures by dental professionals is increasing in Ohio.

The Division of Dental Hygiene of Ohio State University, working under a grant from the Ohio Dental Association, completed research defining the practice of dental hygiene in Ohio utilizing data gathered in the summer of 1991. This portion of the research focuses on the salaries and benefits earned by practicing Ohio dental hygienists. It also presents the salary and benefit levels which Ohio dentists believe to be reasonable for dental hygienist employees. The largest number of dental hygienists work 27 hours per week and are paid a straight salary averaging $15.86 per hour. The largest number of dentists believe that experienced, full-time dental hygienists should receive higher salaries and more benefits than part-time hygienists. They feel that $16-$21 per hour is a reasonable salary, and they most often provide reduced dental fees as a benefit.

It seems that few cases of idiopathic external resorption appear in the literature and fewer that are followed for a number of years. Such a case is presented with a six-year follow-up. Results showed that there was no remaining pathology and that the tooth was completely asymptomatic following its initial treatment.

This article utilizes findings from the Ohio Dental Hygiene Survey and Ohio Dentist Survey to uncover what specific dental hygiene attitudes exist relative to employment and what factors have led to job termination and to re-entry. Ohio dental hygiene employees are most satisfied with patient relationships, co-worker relationships, and flexible working hours. The dental hygienists are least satisfied with fringe benefits, financial growth, and career creativity. Salary, benefits, nor career longevity were significant factors in determining satisfaction. Dental hygienists who were not working when surveyed, said they would consider returning to practice if a better salary were available, if they could find part-time work, if there were a good wage scale with benefits, or if their own financial need changed. Thirty-six percent of the non-practitioners said they would not ever consider returning to practice due to working conditions, establishment of a new career, or inadequate compensation. Dentist employers stated that they were satisfied or very satisfied with their dental hygienists' patient care and contribution to the practice.

One of the most significant issues in the dental hygiene profession is the recruitment of qualified applicants. Throughout the decade of the 80s, a dramatic decline in enrollment has occurred in dental hygiene programs across the nation. According to recent demographic reports, there are fewer individuals in the age group where dental hygiene students are traditionally recruited and no significant change is expected. Therefore, in order to maintain and improve the pool of students preparing for a career in dental hygiene, it is critical that an attempt be made to understand the forces which lead students to choose the health care profession. A study was conducted using baccalaureate alumni and three classes in the baccalaureate degree dental hygiene program at The Ohio State University in order to determine why they had chosen the career of dental hygiene. This study was subsequently expanded to include students enrolled in eight associate degree dental hygiene programs in Ohio. The results from the survey indicate that career decisions are made at varying points in the educational process. Dentists and dental hygienists account for half of the influence in the decision process with high school guidance counselors having negligible influence. Nearly all respondents chose working with people as the top career benefit. Those findings point to the importance of involving dental and dental hygiene professionals in the recruitment process and the necessity to provide appropriate information to others who may provide career counseling.