Journal of dental hygiene : JDH
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Review Comparative Study
Incorporation of evidence-based principles in baccalaureate and nonbaccalaureate degree dental hygiene programs.
The purpose of this descriptive study was to determine the curricular utilization of Evidence-Based (EB) philosophies in dental hygiene education in both baccalaureate and nonbaccalaureate U.S. dental hygiene programs. ⋯ The findings of this descriptive study indicate both baccalaureate and nonbaccalaureate degree programs incorporate some aspects of an EB philosophy into the curriculum. Survey results reveal baccalaureate degree programs incorporated research and taught the use of library facilities, journal indices, and electronic databases. In addition, baccalaureate degree programs also emphasized and encouraged the application of critically appraised evidence into practice. The nonbaccalaureate respondents utilized the library facilities, journal indices, and electronic databases to a slightly lesser extent than their baccalaureate counterparts. The nonbaccalaureate respondents also demonstrated less application of EB findings to clinical situations, including actual patient treatment.