title: The Frequency of Dietary Advice Provision in a Dental Hygiene Clinic: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this retrospective, cross-sectional study was to assess the frequency of dietary advice provision by dental hygiene students.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data was obtained from clinical records of third-year Bachelor of Oral Health students at the University of Newcastle. Frequency of dietary advice was recorded by students over a 12-month period. The study investigated associations between demographics, treatment provided and frequency of dietary advice.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results indicated dietary advice was provided infrequently by dental hygiene students, with only 6.48% of all patients seen during the 12-month period receiving dietary advice. A statistically significant correlation was observed between dietary advice and age, with children under the age of 18 being 2.5 times more likely than adults to receive dietary advice. Additionally, patients who received oral hygiene instruction were 2.5 times as likely to receive dietary advice. Strong correlations were also observed between topical and concentrated fluoride application and dietary advice.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings indicate dietary advice is provided infrequently by dental hygiene students. Further research is required to strengthen the findings and to investigate barriers to dietary advice provision, as well as perceptions of dental practitioners regarding dietary advice.
authors.forename: Melanie J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Hayes
authors.forename: Johanna
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Franki
authors.forename: Jane A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Taylor
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003376:Counseling / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003729:Dental Care / Q000379:methods; D003740:Dental Clinics / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004032:Diet; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009910:Oral Hygiene / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: dental hygienist; dietary advice; students