Dietary Counseling Practices and Perceived Barriers Among Utah Dental Hygienists

Diet related factors are associated with the 2 most prevalent oral diseases- caries and periodontal disease. Furthermore, there is growing evidence of a synergistic link between nutrition, systemic health, and oral health. Regardless of this evidence and in spite of recommendations by dental associations, researchers have shown the majority of dental professionals are consistently excluding nutritional screenings and dietary counseling in their dental services. The purpose of this study was to examine the nutritional screening and dietary counseling practices of Utah dental hygienists and to evaluate possible associations between various factors influencing the implementation of nutritional services. Surveys were collected from members of the Utah Dental Hygienists' Association. Mean scores showed low frequency and low confidence levels in performing nutritional services and high perceptions of barriers to care. Little to no difference in mean scores occurred when differentiating between degree achievements, years in dental hygiene practice, or component affiliation.