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The influence of patient education by the dental hygienist: acceptance of the fluorescence oral cancer exam.

PURPOSE: Oral cancer frequently goes undetected in its early and most curable stages because no clinical signs or symptoms usually exist. This study assessed the effect patient education had on the patient's decision to accept or refuse a fluorescence oral cancer examination. METHODS: Along with pro...

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Published in:Journal of Dental Hygiene Vol. 83; no. 3; pp. 134 - 141
Main Author: Paulis M
Format: research tables/charts Journal Article
Published: American Dental Hygienists Association 2009 Summer
Online Access:View this record in EBSCOhost
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      dt: 2009 Summer
      vid: 83
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      pub: American Dental Hygienists Association
      place: Chicago, Illinois
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        atl: The influence of patient education by the dental hygienist: acceptance of the fluorescence oral cancer exam.
      aug:
        au: Paulis M
        affil: Fones School of Dental Hygiene, University of Bridgeport.
      sug:
        subj:
          Dental Hygienists
          Mouth Neoplasms Diagnosis
          Patient Education
          Professional-Patient Relations
          Consent
          Descriptive Statistics
          Patient Attitudes
          Surveys
      ab: PURPOSE: Oral cancer frequently goes undetected in its early and most curable stages because no clinical signs or symptoms usually exist. This study assessed the effect patient education had on the patient's decision to accept or refuse a fluorescence oral cancer examination. METHODS: Along with providing a routine clinical and white light oral cancer exam, a Visually Enhanced Lesion Scope (VELscope) was used to evaluate the patient's oral cavity. After gaining written consent, 100 patients at a university dental hygiene clinic were provided a survey that evaluated their risk factors, opinions, and knowledge regarding oral cancer. Upon assessing the patient's willingness to receive a free oral fluorescence examination, the survey questioned if being charged a fee for the exam would serve as a deterrent to receiving it. Regardless of acceptance or refusal of the exam, the patient was educated, first by a brochure, and then by discussion with the researcher, about oral cancer. RESULTS: Overall, 92% of participants agreed to pay a fee for the VELscope exam. Of those who initially refused the VELscope exam, 78% agreed to the exam after being educated about oral cancer. Patients were very appreciative of both the education and technology offered to them. CONCLUSIONS: Dental professionals have a responsibility to educate their patients about oral cancer in order to enable them to make informed decisions about their oral and overall health. Additionally, patient education has a significant impact on patient acceptance of the VELscope exam.
      pubtype: Academic Journal
      doctype:
        research
        tables/charts
        Journal Article
      ougenre: Article
    language: English
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