1. Fourth-year dental hygiene students' educational preparedness: Self-confidence ratings of the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association baccalaureate competencies (2017-2019).
- Author
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Sunell S, Laronde DM, and Kanji Z
- Subjects
- Canada, Humans, Longitudinal Studies, North America, Students, Surveys and Questionnaires, Dental Hygienists, Oral Hygiene
- Abstract
Problem Statement: The Canadian Competencies for Baccalaureate Dental Hygiene Programs (CCBDHP) were first published in 2015 by the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association. They reflect the first articulation of dental hygiene baccalaureate competencies in North America. However, there is little evidence to support baccalaureate graduates acquire these abilities., Objective: To examine the confidence levels of baccalaureate fourth-year students in their ability to demonstrate the CCBDHPs., Methods: This 3-year longitudinal study rated the self-confidence levels of fourth-year students as they neared graduation from the University of British Columbia from 2017 to 2019. It involved an online, anonymous survey using a 5-point scale ranging from not confident to confident. Respondents rated their self-confidence in the 110 sub-competencies articulated within the 13 competency domains of the CCBDHP., Results: Responses were received from 54 of the 70 graduating students for a cumulative 77% response rate. Respondents expressed the most confidence in the competency domains of Clinical Therapy (100%), Collaboration (100%), Disease Prevention (100%), Professionalism (100%), and Oral Health Education (90%) but expressed less confidence in Research Use (73%), Health Promotion (70%), Leadership (67%), Policy Use (20%), and Advocacy (11%)., Conclusion: These data suggest that curriculum revisions are needed in 5 domains but such changes may not be sufficient. Transition support may be warranted to assist graduates as they enter practice, while some competencies may be more appropriate for graduate studies. The study contributes to an international discussion about the educational preparedness of baccalaureate graduates, and the boundaries between diploma, baccalaureate and master's education., (© 2021 American Dental Education Association.)
- Published
- 2021
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