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Relationship between educational level of dental hygienists and their perceptions regarding postcertificate/postassociate degree programs.

A survey was mailed to a stratified random sample of 357 licensed dental hygienists residing in Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming. The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between degree held and practitioner perceptions regarding the need for, interest in, and content and structure of postcertificate/postassociate programs leading to a bachelor of science in dental hygiene degree (BSDH). Responses were received from 250 practitioners (70%), which were evenly distributed among the five states. Respondents were asked to record their level of agreement with a series of statements pertaining to postcertificate/postassociate dental hygiene education using a five-point Likert scale ranging from "strongly agree" to "strongly disagree." The findings indicated a significant correlation existed between degree held and practitioner perceptions regarding (1) the need for postcertificate/postassociate dental hygiene programs, (2) the testing of potential students for clinical competency, (3) granting academic credit for work experience, and (4) the provision of flexible attendance and scheduling options. There was no significant correlation between degree held and practitioner perceptions regarding (1) a required core curriculum with individualized specialty areas of study or (2) a baccalaureate in another or related discipline offers more career options than a BSDH.