The Advanced Dental Hygiene Practitioner: An Exploration of the Patient Perspective Regarding the Advancement of a Mid-level Dental Provider

• Main Author: Burgess, Jacqueline M
• Format: Others
• Language: English
• Published: Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University 2016
• Subjects: advanced dental hygiene practitioner; ADHP; access to care; mid-level dental provider; Dental Hygiene; Dentistry; Medicine and Health Sciences
• Online Access: https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/3127; https://dc.etsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=4534&context=etd

The purpose of this study was to examine patient attitudes and opinions regarding the advancement of a mid-level dental provider, such as the ADHP, in an effort to better understand the perceptions of those who may one day be in a position to receive care from this type of provider. In this quantitative study, I analyzed the differences between those with and without access to dental care and evaluated differences among respondents based upon their socioeconomic and demographic attributes. I collected data from patients treated at Mt. Juliet Family & Cosmetic Dentistry and at the Coweta Samaritan Clinic via a 17-item questionnaire. Most respondents would be willing to accept treatment from someone in this role. The majority of respondents also believed it would be a positive step towards meeting the needs of the uninsured and underserved. Demographic data had no significant impact on their opinion of this role.