Authors: Stanley, Jennifer¹; Kinney, Janet²; Gwozdek, Anne³

Source: Journal of Dental Hygiene, Volume 85, Number 2, Spring 2011 , pp. 114-121(8)

Publisher: American Dental Hygienists' Association

Abstract:

Purpose: To assess the skills and education perceived as nec essary for a baccalaureate-prepared dental hygienist to pursue an entry-level role in clinical research.

Methods: An electronic survey was developed and distributed to 124 dental hygienists. Participants held at least a baccalaureate level of education and were currently involved in clinical research or had previous clinical research experience.

Results: The survey response rate was 45% (n=56). Of the 56 respondents, 71% (n=40) met all inclusion criteria. The majority of respondents agreed that the University of Michigan Degree Completion and the Society of Clinical Research Associates pro gram competencies align with the skills and education needed to pursue an entry-level role in clinical research. Grant writing skills and the ability to prepare a manuscript for submission to a peer-reviewed journal were not perceived as necessary for an entry-level position.

Conclusion: Clinical research is a viable career option for den tal hygienists. Obtaining a baccalaureate level of education will assist with acquiring entry-level clinical research skills. Addi tional education is necessary to expand clinical research opportunities. Both education and mentoring are integral components for pursuing a career in clinical research. Expanding upon the research-related competencies of dental hygiene program curricula is one avenue for achieving these recommendations.

Keywords: CLINICAL RESEARCH; BACCALAUREATE LEVEL EDUCATION; DENTAL HYGIENISTS; ENTRY-LEVEL CLINICAL ROLE

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: Graduate of the University of Michigan Dental Hygiene Degree Completion E-Learning Program 2: Clinical Assistant Professor, Research Fellow (Michigan Center for Oral Health Research) 3: Director of the Dental Hygiene Degree Completion Programs, both in the Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI

Publication date: 2011-03-01

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