title: Use of recommended communication techniques by Maryland dental hygienists.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to determine dental hygienists' use of recommended techniques to communicate science-based information for intervention and prevention of oral disease.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 30-item survey containing 18 communication techniques representing 5 domains including 7 basic skills were mailed to a random sample of 1,258 Maryland dental hygienists to determine their use of recommended communication techniques.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The response rate was 43% (n = 540). Nearly all were females (98%) and 58% practiced in solo settings. About half of respondents used 6 of the 18 techniques routinely. Approximately three-quarters of respondents reported they rarely or never used 3 of the 7 basic recommended techniques. Only one basic technique (use of simple language) was used by over 90%. Respondents who had taken a communications course other than in dental hygiene school were significantly more likely to use communication techniques on a routine basis than those who had not (p < 0.01).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Dental hygienists and their patients would benefit from using the recommended communication tools and techniques to address individual patient needs. To improve oral health outcomes, dental hygiene education must strengthen health literacy knowledge and communication skills in dental hygiene education programs and through continuing education courses for practicing hygienists.
authors.forename: Alice M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Horowitz
authors.forename: Joanne C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Clovis
authors.forename: Min Qi
authors.initials: MQ
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Dushanka V
authors.initials: DV
authors.lastname: Kleinman
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003142:Communication; D003756:Dental Hygienists / Q000193:education; D004496:Education, Continuing; D006801:Humans; D008396:Maryland; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: dental hygienists; health communication and dental health education; health literacy; recommended communication techniques