Student retention practices in associate degree, entry-level dental hygiene programs.

PURPOSE: The main purpose of this study was to investigate student retention strategies and practices implemented in associate degree, entry-level dental hygiene programs. Included are student attrition issues, academic standards, re-entry policies, and clinical remediation strategies. METHODS: A su...

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Publicado en:Journal of Dental Hygiene Vol. 79; no. 3; pp. 6 - 7
Autor principal: Holt MP
Formato: research tables/charts Journal Article
Publicado: American Dental Hygienists Association Summer2005
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
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      dt: Summer2005
      vid: 79
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      pub: American Dental Hygienists Association
      place: Chicago, Illinois
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        atl: Student retention practices in associate degree, entry-level dental hygiene programs.
      aug:
        au: Holt MP
        affil: Instructor, Santa Rosa Junior College, Department of Dental Hygiene, Santa Rosa, California; peppy@sonic.net
      sug:
        subj:
          Education, Associate
          Education, Dental Hygiene
          Student Retention
          Academic Achievement Standards
          Content Analysis
          Convenience Sample
          Descriptive Research
          Descriptive Statistics
          Mail
          Pilot Studies
          Questionnaires
          Random Sample
          Survey Research
          Surveys
          Human
      ab: PURPOSE: The main purpose of this study was to investigate student retention strategies and practices implemented in associate degree, entry-level dental hygiene programs. Included are student attrition issues, academic standards, re-entry policies, and clinical remediation strategies. METHODS: A survey consisting of forced choice and open-ended questions was mailed to 31 randomly selected associate degree, entry-level dental hygiene programs. Surveys were analyzed using descriptive statistics and frequency distributions. Open-ended questions were analyzed using the constant comparative qualitative method to identify recurring themes. RESULTS: There was an 80% (n=25) return response to the survey. The findings of this study determined that dental hygiene programs are graduating, on average, a higher percentage (83%) of students when compared to two-year, associate degree programs in general (46%). The primary reasons reported by respondents for student attrition included: academic difficulties (88%), dissatisfaction with career choice (76%), family/personal responsibilities (72%), and clinical skill difficulties (56%). A wide variety of retention strategies were reported. Those most often cited were academic remediation (92%), clinical skill development/remediation (84%), academic advising (84%), financial aid assistance (84%), and tutoring (80%). Participating programs also reported setting high academic and ethical standards. Specific criteria for student re-entry were discussed. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggest that associate degree, entry-level dental hygiene programs are committed to student retention and make considerable efforts to help students succeed. Student retention efforts could be enhanced for those student groups identified as possibly being at high risk for attrition. The findings and recommendations in this investigation may assist associate degree, entry-level dental hygiene programs in their efforts to retain a higher percentage of students.
      pubtype: Academic Journal
      doctype:
        research
        tables/charts
        Journal Article
      ougenre: Article
    language: English
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