Instructional strategies and challenges for implementing teledentistry in dental hygiene curricula: A qualitative study
Document Type
Article
Publication Title
Journal of Dental Education
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose/Objectives
Research has documented the implementation of telecommunications and virtual technology use in health care disciplines to expand accessibility. Despite the current trend of digital innovations in healthcare systems, telehealth technology is not readily adopted in the dental hygiene profession yet. Currently, no standardized educational framework exists in dental hygiene curricula to prepare professionals with the technical skill set and professional knowledge necessary for telehealth applications. The aims and objectives of this research were (1) to investigate existing dental hygiene educators’ pedagogical frameworks for incorporating telehealth technology into dental hygiene curricula, (2) explore these educators’ instructional strategies for teaching telehealth technology, and (3) examine the theoretical implications and practical outcomes of teaching telehealth technology for professional development and transferrable work-force ready skills.
Methods
A nine-item, open-ended, semi-structured interview guide was prepared and approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) in January 2023 to qualitatively investigate accredited entry-level dental hygiene programs in the United States. Thematic interpretational analysis was conducted using NVivo software.
Results
A total of 54 of the 328 dental hygiene programs volunteered for participation. Thirteen full-time and part-time dental hygiene educators met inclusion criteria. The core salient themes identified included (a) curriculum mapping, (b) technology integration, (c) professional collaboration, and (d) supplemental skill set.
Conclusions
These findings provide guidance to dental hygiene programs for bridging the teledentistry knowledge gap in curriculum development. Incorporating telehealth applications into dental hygiene curricula prepares future dental hygienists with the specialized training needed to function as a member of contemporary health care teams addressing access to care.
First Page
777
Last Page
785
DOI
10.1002/jdd.13495
Publication Date
6-2024
Recommended Citation
Spearin, T. A., & Ayers, C. L. (2024). Instructional strategies and challenges for implementing teledentistry in dental hygiene curricula: A qualitative study. Journal of dental education, 88(6), 777–785.
Comments
Spearin, T. A., & Ayers, C. L. (2024). Instructional strategies and challenges for implementing teledentistry in dental hygiene curricula: A qualitative study. Journal of dental education, 88(6), 777–785.
https://doi.org/10.1002/jdd.13495
Accepted Version
12 month embargo, Subject pre-requisites, Publisher source must be acknowledged with citation, Must link to publisher version with set statement (see policy)