Essential services in children’s family dentistry program and the role of dental hygienists

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the essential services, importance, interval of examinations, and role of dental hygienists in children’s family dentistry program. Methods: A total of 124 participants completed a self-administered questionnaire. The data were analyzed using independent t-test, and ANOVA, and Pearson correlation analysis. Results: All participants stated that oral examination and panoramic radiography are required; children should be educated about brushing, use of oral products, and regular check-ups; and preventive treatments such as molar sealants and prophylaxis should be offered. They stated that light-curing resins and glass ionomer fillings should be offered in treatment services. They stated that examination intervals should be shorter for education and prevention rather than treatment. Dental hygiene students were more likely than dentists and dental hygienists to say that the program was more important. There was a correlation between oral examinations and education and treatment, and between essential services and their importance. Conclusions: Services considered essential and important should be provided first, education and prevention should be provided more frequently than treatment, and their importance should be emphasized not only to dental hygiene students but also to dental hygienists and dentists who are the main providers of services.