Abstract
ABSTRACT: ObjectiveThis survey evaluated the attitudes of Swiss dental hygienists toward treating elderly patients and their opinions on the geriatric curriculum in their educational programs.Methods and ResultsQualified dental hygienists working in private practices (PP) and dental hygiene students (DHS) were recruited. The Geriatric Attitude Scale (GAS‐14) questionnaire and an additional questionnaire on the geriatric curriculum were used. Demographic information including age, sex, nationality, religion, marital‐, and accommodation‐status was collected. Three hundred and five hygienists (PP: n = 148, mean‐age: 43.7 ± 11.9 years; DHS: n = 157, mean‐age: 25.4 ± 4.6 years) participated. The overall mean GAS‐14 scores were significantly different (p = 0.008) between PP (3.48 ± 0.36) and DHS (3.61 ± 0.42). GAS‐14 scores were not correlated to demographic parameters. DHS valued the geriatric curriculum more (p = 0.002) and rated their training higher (p = 0.001). PP lacked confidence in treating elderly patients alone (p < 0.001). DHS wanted more hands‐on training (p < 0.001). PP preferred hospital‐ (p < 0.001) or nursing home‐ (p = 0.039) treatment settings, DHS preferred mobile clinics (p = 0.028) for treating immobile elders.ConclusionsSwiss dental hygienist students and hygienists in private practice exhibit a favorable attitude toward treating elderly patients, with students showing a slightly more positive perspective. The results underscore the need for continuing education programs and hands‐on workshops in geriatric dentistry to boost the practitioners' confidence and attitudes.
Grandjean, Marie‐Laure