Theory analysis of the Dental Hygiene Human Needs Conceptual Model

Proposal of Dental Hygiene Diagnosis for Cancer Patients Based on Dental Hygiene Process of Care in Acute Care Hospitals: A Narrative Review

A narrative review was conducted to propose dental hygiene diagnoses for cancer patients based on dental hygiene process of care in acute care hospitals. Six researchers, including three dental hygienists, all with expertise in oral healthcare for patients with cancer, decided the review outline. All researchers reviewed the literature and developed terminology for dental hygiene diagnoses. The team then modified the terminology and discussed its clarity and acceptability to develop an initial list of dental hygiene diagnosis names according to the dental hygiene human needs conceptual model subscales. In wholesome facial image, one new diagnosis was developed. In protection from health risks, 15 new diagnoses were developed. In biologically sound and functional dentition, 10 new diagnoses were developed. In skin and mucous membrane integrity of the head and neck, 10 new diagnoses were developed. In freedom from head and neck pain, two new diagnoses were developed. In freedom from anxiety and stress, eight new diagnoses were developed. In responsibility for oral health, five new diagnoses were developed. In conceptualization and understanding, three new diagnoses were developed. Based on this study, it is necessary for the academic community to develop a better taxonomy of dental hygiene diagnoses pertaining to dental hygienist clinical practice.

A review of the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQL) model for dental hygiene: Eighteen years later

PURPOSE

The purpose of this paper is to review available evidence to determine the impact of the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQL) Model for Dental Hygiene on education, research, and practice.

METHODS

A search was conducted in PubMed using the search terms oral health-related quality of life, OHRQL, and dental hygiene and limited to publications between 1998 and 2016. Google Scholar was also used to identify citations for the two original OHRQL model papers to capture the literature widely read by practicing dental hygienists but not indexed in PubMed. A total of 40 publications met the predetermined search strategy. Full publications were obtained and reviewed to determine how this research is being used in education, research, and practice.

FINDINGS

The OHRQL is being utilized to a very limited degree in education, research, and practice. The literature shows how the OHRQL is actively being used in the school where the model originated in addition to a dental hygiene programme in Japan. Studies have been conducted on a variety of research instruments, including the OHRQL, designed to capture OHRQL outcomes. Japanese researchers have used the OHRQL in studies designed to determine the impact of oral healthcare delivery on patients' oral health-related quality of life.

CONCLUSION

Eighteen years of the literature confirms that the OHRQL is being used minimally in education, research, and practice. Greater emphasis is needed around the collection and assessment of oral health-related quality of life measures for providing patient-centred care.