Biomedical subjects
E S Foley
Publications and source records attributed to E S Foley.
Current clinical attire requirements for dental hygiene students.
The American Dental Association and the Centers for Disease Control are currently stressing the need for protective clinical attire and barrier techniques to reduce cross-contamination and the spread of diseases. They strongly recommend disposable or clean, reusable gowns, lab coats, or uniforms during treatment of all dental patients. Surgical masks, gloves, and protective eyewear are also recommended. The program directors of 197 dental hygiene programs in the United States were surveyed to determine how these recommendations affect the current clinical attire requirements for dental hygiene students and clinical faculty. All of the programs responding to this survey required protective eyewear and gloves for both students and faculty. Seventy-seven percent of the programs responding required students to wear uniforms while working on clinical patients. Surgical gowns and surgical scrubs are currently worn by only eight percent and five percent of dental hygiene students respectively. Most clinical instructors wear lab coats over street clothes, instead of traditional uniforms. Many program directors indicated they are considering changes in clinical attire requirements in the future because of concern for infection control. The issues of most concern for possible changes in the near future appear to be (1) switching from uniforms to surgical gowns or scrubs, (2) changing to disposable gowns, and (3) utilizing a laundry service for lab coats or scrubs.
Current computer usage in Indiana dental practices.
A survey of Indiana dentists reveals that increasing numbers of dental practices are computerized. Computer hardware, software, and various functions within dental practices are identified. Furthermore, the survey indicates future anticipated computer usage and the growing need for personnel to be trained in computers.
Utilizing feedback from students and graduates to determine recruiting strategies for dental hygiene programs.
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Update on clinical attire requirements in dental hygiene programs.
PURPOSE: Many changes have occurred in the clinical appearance of dental hygienists in the past few years because of increased emphasis on infection control and disease prevention. The purpose of this study was to assess dental hygiene program clinical attire requirements in 1993 and to compare them with requirements as described by a 1988 survey. METHODS: Checklist questionnaires were mailed to the directors of all 211 dental hygiene programs in the United States and Puerto Rico in October 1993. Questions were asked regarding clinical attire requirements for students and faculty, including uniforms, gowns, lab coats, masks, protective eyewear, shoes, hair coverings, laundry management, and changes under consideration. Percentages were calculated by region and for all responding programs. RESULTS: Of 211 questionnaires mailed, 178 were returned, for a response rate of 84%. Results indicated that students and faculty are currently wearing more colorful uniforms and scrubs than in 1988. Long-sleeved lab coats, disposable gowns, and washable surgical gowns are increasing in use. Glasses and face masks were required for all students and faculty in both surveys, but chin-length face shields are increasing in use as optional face protection. In most instances, face shields are worn with face masks. Laundry services are being provided for faculty (employees); however, most students continue to be responsible for their own laundry after being instructed to follow stringent guidelines taught by the faculty. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing emphasis on personal and patient protection is moving clinical attire requirements toward a more surgical appearance. Dental hygiene educators continue to monitor and to stay current with federal infection control recommendations, regulations, and guidelines.