Utilization of Periodontal Risk Assessment Tools in the Clinical Setting: Knowledge, attitudes and practice behaviors of dental hygienists

Identifying individuals at risk for developing periodontal disease helps to prevent, treat, and manage this condition. The purpose of this study was to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and practice behaviors of dental hygienists regarding the use of periodontal risk assessment tools. This cross-sectional survey study used a convenience sample of dental hygienists recruited through social media and snowball sampling. The validated electronic survey included items related to demographics, knowledge, attitude, and practice behaviors regarding the use of periodontal risk assessment tools in the clinical setting. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data and outcomes were represented through frequencies and percentiles. Two-hundred eighty-two of the respondents (n=282) (n=530) met the inclusion criteria, for a participation rate of 53%. A majority (88%) "agreed" or "strongly agreed" that periodontal risk assessment tools improve communication and increase educational opportunities with patients and 50% reported completing periodontal risk assessments during a patient's scheduled appointment. Significant relationships existed between "frequently" or "always" reviewing periodontal risk assessment outcomes and the participants age, place of employment and number of continuing education (CE) hours completed ( =0.004). Participants who were members of the American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) were more likely to correctly answer three or more knowledge questions ( =0.01), and more likely to measure and record pocket depths in a periodontal risk assessment tool ( =0.005). Although dental hygienists reported periodontal risk assessment tools were helpful for patient communication and education, only 50% reported regular completion while providing patient care. Continuing education on the value of periodontal risk assessment tools and better understanding of the barriers to routine implementation, could expand their use.