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Exploring Saudi Physical Therapists' Perceptions and Opinions on Their Profession: A Mixed-Method Study. Rehabil Res Pract 2022; 2022:2890548. [PMID: 35775030 PMCID: PMC9239830 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2890548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Methods A cross-sectional, mixed-method study was employed. Practicing PTs and PT students were recruited to fill out a self-administered questionnaire to rank nine different professions (including PT) across different dimensions. Further, participants reported on their job satisfaction and participated in a semistructured interview regarding their responses. Results A total of 175 individuals participated in this study. The physical therapy profession was rated 6th on level of education, last (9th) on level of income and level of social standing, 5th on level of responsibility, and 3rd on level of usefulness. In the overall occupational prestige, the physical therapy profession was ranked the lowest compared to the other professions. Lastly, the data from the semistructured interviews corroborated the findings identified from the quantitative aspect of our study. Discussion. The overall results of the study indicate that the current perceived level of occupational prestige among Saudi PTs and PT students is somewhat disappointing. Participants generally viewed their profession in a low occupational prestige status, which is in contrast to previous studies conducted in other countries. While some of these results can be explained by the nature and history of the profession in Saudi Arabia, Academic institutions and policy makers should make an effort to promote the occupational prestige of the physical therapy profession.
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Comley-White N, Potterton J. The perceived barriers and facilitators in completing a Master's degree in Physiotherapy. SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOTHERAPY 2018; 74:445. [PMID: 30135923 PMCID: PMC6093137 DOI: 10.4102/sajp.v74i1.445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 04/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Participating in postgraduate study is daunting and as yet there is a dearth of literature on what students' experiences are when obtaining their Master's degree in Physiotherapy. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to gain insight into the perceived barriers and facilitators in completing a Master's degree in Physiotherapy. METHOD Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with 10 physiotherapists who had completed a Master's degree in Physiotherapy from a university in South Africa, representative of coursework and dissertation Master's degrees, completed within the stipulated time period as well as taking longer to complete the degree. The topics covered a range of speciality areas. The interviews were transcribed, sent for member checking and analysed thematically. RESULTS Within 10 interviews data saturation was reached. Two themes were identified: research environment and support, both of which were seen as either a facilitator or a barrier, depending on the participant. The theme of research environment was divided into categories of workplace and data collection. The second theme, support, was also seen as either a barrier or a facilitator. This theme encapsulated the categories of supervisor support, workplace support and a personal support network. CONCLUSION The research environment and support are two major factors that can influence the experience of obtaining a master's degree in physiotherapy, both positively and negatively. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS With increasing numbers of physiotherapists obtaining postgraduate degrees, universities need to facilitate the process of obtaining the degree, which will ensure more physiotherapists with postgraduate degrees, thereby strengthening the profession.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joanne Potterton
- Department of Physiotherapy, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
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Westervelt KC, Hing W, McGovern M, Banks L, Carney C, Kunker K, Magoon A, Sibold J, Crane L. An online model of international clinical mentoring for novice physical therapists. J Man Manip Ther 2018; 26:170-180. [PMID: 30042631 DOI: 10.1080/10669817.2018.1447789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Clinical mentoring is important for novice clinicians as they are developing advanced critical-thinking skills. Research exploring innovative mentoring strategies to reduce barriers and enhance learning is needed. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of providing online clinical mentoring to small international groups of novice clinicians treating patients with spinal dysfunction in the outpatient setting. Methods Eleven novice and four expert clinicians were allocated into small international groups. Four one-hour group video-conference mentoring sessions were held in which each novice clinician presented a case study. Data were collected from pre- and post-participation surveys and post-participation focus groups. Data were evaluated with a mixed-methods phenomenological analysis. Results Four themes emerged from the novice qualitative data: improved confidence, enhanced critical thinking, appreciation of the structured design and accessibility to peers and mentors. The quantitative data revealed significant improvement in three confidence measures, improvement of 1.48 points on self-selected clinical goals, and 82.0% reported improved clinical decision-making. Two themes emerged from the expert data: value of the model to fill a need within the profession and viability of the model to stand alone or as part of an educational program. All participants rated their experience on average at 8.76/10 and expressed interest in future mentoring programs. Discussion Online small group international clinical mentoring appears to be an effective strategy to provide clinical mentoring to promote confidence and critical-thinking skills. This research could provide a viable model to increase accessibility to clinical mentors and fill a need within the profession.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen C Westervelt
- Department of Movement Science and Rehabilitation, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Wayne Hing
- Head of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond Institute of Health and Sport, Bond University, Robina, Australia
| | | | - Lora Banks
- University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | | | | | | | - Jeremy Sibold
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Linda Crane
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Robina, Australia
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Cobbing S, Maddocks S, Govender S, Khan S, Mbhele M, Naidoo K, Tootla S, Weston C. Physiotherapy postgraduate studies in South Africa: Facilitators and barriers. SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOTHERAPY 2017; 73:335. [PMID: 30135897 PMCID: PMC6093091 DOI: 10.4102/sajp.v73i1.335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim To investigate the facilitators and barriers to attaining a postgraduate physiotherapy degree in South Africa. Methods A quantitative, cross-sectional design using an internet-based survey was employed. The population of the study included all qualified physiotherapists who had completed community service and who were on the South African Society of Physiotherapy e-mailing list at the time of the study. Results In all, 425 valid responses were received. The study participants were predominantly white women with a mean age of 36.9 and the majority were working in private practice. A total of 20.5% of respondents had completed a master's or doctoral degree in physiotherapy, while a further 13% of respondents were registered for a postgraduate degree in physiotherapy at the time of the study. Study participants who had obtained a postgraduate degree identified the same main barriers (namely cost/lack of financial support, family commitments and lack of time) and the same main facilitators (namely gaining of expertise, fulfilment of a personal goal and improvement of patient care) as participants who had not obtained a postgraduate degree. Participants who had not obtained a postgraduate degree were significantly more likely (p < 0.05) to report concerns regarding their own ability and a lack of motivation as barriers to further study. Conclusion South African physiotherapists with and without a postgraduate degree reported common facilitators and barriers to pursuing postgraduate studies. In order to ensure that a greater number and diversity of physiotherapists see postgraduate studies as a worthwhile career option, stakeholders in health and education in both the South African public and private sectors need to be engaged to limit the barriers to postgraduate study and seek novel methods of making postgraduate study a more attractive option from a personal development and career perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saul Cobbing
- Department of Physiotherapy, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Stacy Maddocks
- Department of Physiotherapy, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Simoene Govender
- Department of Physiotherapy, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Shuaib Khan
- Department of Physiotherapy, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Mpilonhle Mbhele
- Department of Physiotherapy, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Kareena Naidoo
- Department of Physiotherapy, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Summaya Tootla
- Department of Physiotherapy, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Claire Weston
- Department of Physiotherapy, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
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Al-Eisa ES, Al-Hoqail H, Al-Rushud AS, Al-Harthi A, Al-Mass B, Al-Harbi BM, Al-Azzaz S, Alghadir AH, Iqbal ZA. Awareness, perceptions and beliefs about physiotherapy held by physicians working in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study. J Phys Ther Sci 2017; 28:3435-3439. [PMID: 28174468 PMCID: PMC5276777 DOI: 10.1589/jpts.28.3435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2016] [Accepted: 09/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
[Purpose] Over the years physiotherapy has been recognized as a popular mode of treatment
that decreases the disability and dependency rate of patients. However, there is still a
need for its recognition in multidisciplinary health care structures. If a physician were
well aware of how a physical therapist could help with treatment if patients and prevent
complications, hospital patient load could be decreased to a greater extent. The aim of
this study was to study the awareness, perception and beliefs of physicians working in
Saudi Arabia about physiotherapy. [Subjects and Methods] Three hundred fifteen members of
the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) with different specialties,
nationalities, designation, and work experience, working in various hospitals in 5 regions
of Saudi Arabia were invited to participate in this study. A 22-item questionnaire was
used for data collection including sections on physicians’ demographics, educational
levels and knowledge about physiotherapy. [Results] After applying the inclusion and
exclusion criteria, data from 280 respondents was used for analysis. Seventy-five percent
of respondents reported to having some knowledge of physiotherapy, and 11% of them
referred patients to physiotherapy departments regularly, while 14% referred patients
occasionally. To the best of our knowledge, this is first study performed in Saudi Arabia
to evaluate awareness of physicians about the physiotherapy profession. [Conclusion] The
results of this study highlight the need to organize various workshops and lectures about
the effectiveness of physiotherapy in various diseases for physicians, on a regular basis,
to update them with evidence-based treatment. It is the responsibility of physical
therapists to raise the perceptions of other healthcare professionals about their
profession.
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Affiliation(s)
- Einas S Al-Eisa
- Rehabilitation Research Chair, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Hind Al-Hoqail
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Asma S Al-Rushud
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Azhar Al-Harthi
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Banan Al-Mass
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Bashayer M Al-Harbi
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Sara Al-Azzaz
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmad H Alghadir
- Rehabilitation Research Chair, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Zaheen A Iqbal
- Rehabilitation Research Chair, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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Culvenor AG. Professional pathways towards excellence in sports physiotherapy: opportunities and barriers. Br J Sports Med 2016; 51:415-416. [PMID: 27335207 DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2016-096221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Adam G Culvenor
- Paracelsus Medical University, Institute of Anatomy Salzburg & Nuremburg, Salzburg, Austria.,La Trobe University, School of Allied Health, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
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Perraton L, Machotka Z, Grimmer K, Gibbs C, Mahar C, Kennedy K. Embedding Evidence-based Practice Education into a Post-graduate Physiotherapy Program: Eight Years of pre-Post Course Evaluations. PHYSIOTHERAPY RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 22. [PMID: 26892003 DOI: 10.1002/pri.1659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2015] [Revised: 06/11/2015] [Accepted: 08/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Little has been published about the effectiveness of training postgraduate physiotherapy coursework students in research methods and evidence-based practice (EBP) theory. Graduate qualities in most universities include lifelong learning. Inclusion of EBP in post-graduate coursework students' training is one way for students to develop the knowledge and skills needed to implement current best evidence in their clinical practice after graduation, thereby facilitating lifelong learning. This paper reports on change in confidence and anxiety in knowledge of statistical terminology and concepts related to research design and EBP in eight consecutive years of post-graduate physiotherapy students at one Australian university. METHODS Pre-survey/post-survey instruments were administered to students in an intensive 3-week post-graduate course, which taught health research methods, biostatistics and EBP. This course was embedded into a post-graduate physiotherapy programme from 2007 to 2014. The organization and delivery of the course was based on best pedagogical evidence for effectively teaching adult physiotherapists. The course was first delivered each year in the programme, and no other course was delivered concurrently. RESULTS There were significant improvements in confidence, significantly decreased anxiety and improvements in knowledge of statistical terminology and concepts related to research design and EBP, at course completion. Age, gender and country of origin were not confounders on learning outcomes, although there was a (non-significant) trend that years of practice negatively impacted on learning outcomes (p = 0.09). There was a greater improvement in confidence in statistical terminology than in concepts related to research design and EBP. CONCLUSION An intensive teaching programme in health research methods and biostatistics and EBP, based on best practice adult physiotherapy learning principles, is effective immediately post-course, in decreasing anxiety and increasing confidence in the terminology used in research methods and EBP. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Perraton
- International Centre for Allied Health Evidence (iCAHE), University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,School of Exercise Science, Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
| | - Z Machotka
- International Centre for Allied Health Evidence (iCAHE), University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - K Grimmer
- International Centre for Allied Health Evidence (iCAHE), University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - C Gibbs
- Library, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - C Mahar
- Library, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - K Kennedy
- International Centre for Allied Health Evidence (iCAHE), University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Pragmatic Implementation of a Stratified Primary Care Model for Low Back Pain Management in Outpatient Physical Therapy Settings: Two-Phase, Sequential Preliminary Study. Phys Ther 2015; 95:1120-34. [PMID: 25858972 PMCID: PMC4528015 DOI: 10.2522/ptj.20140418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2014] [Accepted: 04/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effectiveness of risk stratification for low back pain (LBP) management has not been demonstrated in outpatient physical therapy settings. OBJECTIVE The purposes of this study were: (1) to assess implementation of a stratified care approach for LBP management by evaluating short-term treatment effects and (2) to determine feasibility of conducting a larger-scale study. DESIGN This was a 2-phase, preliminary study. METHODS In phase 1, clinicians were randomly assigned to receive standard (n=6) or stratified care (n=6) training. Stratified care training included 8 hours of content focusing on psychologically informed practice. Changes in LBP attitudes and beliefs were assessed using the Pain Attitudes and Beliefs Scale for Physiotherapists (PABS-PT) and the Health Care Providers Pain and Impairment Relationship Scale (HC-PAIRS). In phase 2, clinicians receiving the stratified care training were instructed to incorporate those strategies in their practice and 4-week patient outcomes were collected using a numerical pain rating scale (NPRS), and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Study feasibility was assessed to identify potential barriers for completion of a larger-scale study. RESULTS In phase 1, minimal changes were observed for PABS-PT and HC-PAIRS scores for standard care clinicians (Cohen d=0.00-0.28). Decreased biomedical (-4.5±2.5 points, d=1.08) and increased biopsychosocial (+5.5±2.0 points, d=2.86) treatment orientations were observed for stratified care clinicians, with these changes sustained 6 months later on the PABS-PT. In phase 2, patients receiving stratified care (n=67) had greater between-group improvements in NPRS (0.8 points; 95% confidence interval=0.1, 1.5; d=0.40) and ODI (8.9% points; 95% confidence interval=4.1, 13.6; d=0.76) scores compared with patients receiving standard physical therapy care (n=33). LIMITATIONS In phase 2, treatment was not randomly assigned, and therapist adherence to treatment recommendations was not monitored. This study was not adequately powered to conduct subgroup analyses. CONCLUSIONS In physical therapy settings, biomedical orientation can be modified, and risk-stratified care for LBP can be effectively implemented. Findings from this study can be used for planning of larger studies.
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Mistry Y, Francis C, Haldane J, Symonds S, Uguccioni E, Brooks D, Berg K. Attitudes toward Master's and Clinical Doctorate Degrees in Physical Therapy. Physiother Can 2015; 66:392-401. [PMID: 25922561 DOI: 10.3138/ptc.2013-40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Purpose : To examine the attitudes of a self-selected sample of Canadian physical therapists toward the transition from bachelor's to master's degrees and the implementation of clinical doctorate degrees in physical therapy (PT). Methods : A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a modified Dillman tailored approach. All eligible members of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA) were invited to participate. RESULTS Of 1,397 Canadian physical therapists who responded to the survey, 45% favoured the transition from bachelor's to master's degrees, 21% did not, and 34% were neutral; 27% favoured a transition from a master's to a doctoral degree for entry into practice in PT, 53% did not favour this transition, and 20% were neutral. Finally, 56% favoured the implementation of a post-professional clinical doctorate (PPCD) in PT, 23% did not, and 21% were neutral. CONCLUSIONS Overall, a self-selected sample of Canadian physical therapists supported the future implementation of a post-professional clinical doctorate degree in PT but did not support an entry-to-practice doctoral degree. However, these results must be interpreted with caution because of the study's small sample size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamini Mistry
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Toronto
| | | | | | - Scott Symonds
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Toronto
| | | | - Dina Brooks
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Toronto
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A survey investigation of UK physiotherapists’ use of online search engines for continuing professional development. Physiotherapy 2013; 99:201-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physio.2012.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2012] [Accepted: 12/14/2012] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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Chau J, Chadbourn P, Hamel R, Mok S, Robles B, Chan L, Cott C, Yeung E. Continuing education for advanced manual and manipulative physiotherapists in Canada: a survey of perceived needs. Physiother Can 2012; 64:20-30. [PMID: 23277682 DOI: 10.3138/ptc.2010-50] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Our purpose was to determine advanced manual and manipulative physiotherapists' (AMPTs') current use and awareness of continuing education (CE) opportunities; to establish their perceived CE needs by identifying facilitators and barriers to participation; and to explore the association of demographics with CE needs. METHODS A questionnaire was e-mailed to 456 registered members of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy. Data analyses using frequencies and percentages of total responses and t-tests for group comparisons were performed. RESULTS One hundred thirty-three (29.2%) participants responded. Most lived in an urban region and worked predominantly in direct patient care. More respondents reported engaging in informal CE than in formal CE. Hands-on or practical workshops were the preferred CE format. Common barriers to CE included professional commitments and cost and time of travel; facilitators included interest in the topic and increasing knowledge and competency. AMPTs with less physical therapy experience found cost to be a greater barrier and were more interested in mentorship programs and CE as a means to obtain credentials. CONCLUSIONS AMPTs' preferred CE formats are inconsistent with the CE opportunities in which they participate. CE initiatives for AMPTs should include hands-on training and should account for time and cost to make CE opportunities more readily available to them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda D. Boyd
- Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences; Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene
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