Abstract
Purpose: The purpose was to explore the general knowledge dental hygienists have of the oral-systemic health implications of hormonal changes in menopausal and post-menopausal women.
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Methods: A cross-sectional research design used a national convenience sample of dental hygienists (n=427) recruited through dental hygiene social media sites. The validated survey included the following sections: demographics along with knowledge, attitudes, and clinical practices regarding oral health and menopause. Chi-square tests of independence assessed the relationship between demographic variables and survey responses.
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Results: The participation rate was 68% (n=290). The average knowledge score for participants was 51.5% with only 25.6% receiving a score of 75% or greater. Seventy-seven percent of respondents reported their entry-level dental hygiene program did not provide enough education on menopause and oral health to allow them to educate their patients. Dental hygienists who attended an entry-level dental hygiene program with curriculum addressing menopause and oral health and who also agreed they received enough education were more likely to state they “sometimes” or “most of the time” offering education to patients compared to those who reported not receiving adequate content (p<0.001). Attending a CEU course was related to a higher percentage who stated they always offered education to patients (p<0.001).
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Conclusion: The relevant findings in this study is a call to action for educators to offer continuing education that will allow the development of educational opportunities focused on the transition during menopause and how it affects oral health.
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This abstract was also published in 2020 ADHA Virtual Conference Poster Presentation Abstracts
The Journal of Dental Hygiene
American Dental Hygienists' Association October 2020, 94 (5) 53-69;
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