Michelle DeMoss, Carol A. Nguyen, Robert C. Wood, James W. Tysinger and Lynn A. Smiley
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess dental hygienists’ role in recognizing opioid use disorder (OUD) and to determine the relationship between attitudes and perceptions, interprofessional collaboration, and level of training in evidence-based screening tools.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted using the validated Drug and Drug Problems Perceptions Questionnaire (DDPPQ). The survey was distributed to a convenience sample of dental hygienists (n=197) using Texas Dental Hygiene Association components’ official Facebook® pages, for seven weeks. Survey items included demographics, professional characteristics and employment, DDPPQ subscales related to attitudes and perceptions, interprofessional relationships, and training in evidence-based screening tools. Responses collected in Qualtrics®XM, were imported into SPSS® Version 25 for data analysis. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to associate the data.
Results: The survey completion rate was 90.9% (n=179). Respondents’ attitudes and perceptions were assessed by measuring the DDPPQ subscale results of role adequacy, role legitimacy, role support, and role motivation and self-efficacy (p<0.01). Only 3% of respondents reported working closely with other professionals; exhibiting significance to each subscale (p<0.01). 13% of participants reported training in evidence-based screening tools for opioid abuse; group statistics found significant relationships to subscales of role adequacy, support, and motivation and self-efficacy (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Results from this study combined with existing research, indicate the need for increased interprofessional involvement and OUD education amongst practicing dental hygienists. Dental hygienists that perceive themselves as knowledgeable, prepared, and supported, are shown to exhibit increased security and commitment toward their evolving role, leading to better comprehensive care outcomes.