Preparing the Future Dental Hygiene Workforce: Knowledge, Skills, and Reform

Abstract

With the health care delivery system in transition, the way in which oral health care services are delivered in 2040 will inevitably change. To achieve the aims of reduced cost, improved access, and higher quality and to advance population wellness, oral health care will likely become a more integrated part of medical care. An integrated primary care system would better meet the needs of an increasingly diverse and aging U.S. population with uneven access to health care services. By 2040, trends suggest that a smaller proportion of dental hygienists will work in traditional solo dental offices; many more will practice with multidisciplinary health care teams in large-group dental and medical practices and in a variety of non-traditional community settings. This integration will require changes in how dental hygienists are educated. To shape the skill sets, clinical judgment, and knowledge of future practitioners, current dental hygiene curricula must be reexamined, redirected, and enhanced. This article examines some of the factors that are likely to shape the future of dental hygiene practice, considers the strengths and weaknesses of current curricula, and proposes educational changes to prepare dental hygienists for practice in 2040. This article was written as part of the project "Advancing Dental Education in the 21 Century."

Perception of dental professionals regarding integration of dental auxiliary into dental health delivery system

“…For treatment of a higher number of patients including their felt needs and preventive measures, it is important to substantially expand the capacity of general dental practices with the effective use of dental auxiliaries as suggested by literature. [19] According to Fried et al [20] by 2040, many will practice with multidisciplinary healthcare teams in large-group medical and dental practices and in a variety of nontraditional community settings. Gurenlian et al [21] suggested that the integration of dental hygienists into dental healthcare delivery system needs curriculum change, and it should be redirected and strengthened further.…”

President's Message

“…The adult population over the age of 65 is expected to rise from 15% in 2014 to 24% by 2060 with more adults residing in long-term care facilities. 5 The concept of midlevel dental practitioners is here to stay.…”

Estimating the Number of Dentists Needed in 2040

“…Nevertheless, since nearly 40% of dentists report not being as busy as desired 11 and with the number of dental school graduates expected to reach levels never before seen in the next few years, 23 the backlog of need could be handled fairly rapidly. 26 Eighth, some primary care medical practices are providing basic screening and preventive dental services to low-income children. Further, if by 2040 most publicly financed dental insurance plans were managed by large capitated group practices (as in Oregon), the cost per patient could be much lower than in current fee-for-service plans.…”

“…As more carious teeth are managed chemically rather than surgically, and even fewer initial restorations need to be replaced either by dentists or dental therapists, dental hygienists would have a greater role in caring for these patients and further increasing the number of patients managed per dentist per year. 26 Eighth, some primary care medical practices are providing basic screening and preventive dental services to low-income children. 27 In a few states, some medical practices are employing dental hygienists.…”