Differences between diploma and baccalaureate dental hygiene education in British Columbia: a qualitative perspective

Abstract

Respondents described their dental hygiene services as generally being of a higher standard and specifically in the 4 legislated abilities as a direct result of baccalaureate education.

Motivating influences and ability‐based outcomes of dental hygiene baccalaureate education in Canada

“…An increase in depth and breadth of knowledge within and outside of dental hygiene theory and self‐confidence had also been reported . The differences between abilities gained after a diploma and a degree related to cognitive abilities rather than technical or clinical elements …”

“…The literature examining related abilities after earning a dental hygiene degree demonstrates that baccalaureate education enhances abilities acquired in diploma education. Abilities such as critiquing and using research, critical thinking and problem‐solving, communicating and using technology, and self‐directed learning were noted by dental hygienists as being strengthened as a result of their baccalaureate education in dental hygiene . An increase in depth and breadth of knowledge within and outside of dental hygiene theory and self‐confidence had also been reported .…”

“…There is a paucity of literature examining motivating influences for pursuing a dental hygiene degree and ability‐based outcomes after earning this degree. A few studies have investigated motivators and ability‐based outcomes of practising dental hygienists who first earned a diploma and then returned to university to complete their dental hygiene degree . Canadian research investigating these areas includes Imai and Craig's 2005 examination of a decade of data through surveying dental hygiene degree‐completion graduates from UBC .…”

“…In 2010, Kanji et al investigated a national sample of dental hygienists to ascertain their motivating reasons for returning to a Canadian university to earn a dental hygiene degree and abilities strengthened as a result of earning the degree . Most recently, Sunell et al investigated the differences between dental hygiene diploma and baccalaureate education in British Columbia focusing on ability‐based outcomes . Several studies have also focused on career outcomes after earning a dental hygiene degree through a degree‐completion pathway .…”

“…Abilities such as critiquing and using research, critical thinking and problem‐solving, communicating and using technology, and self‐directed learning were noted by dental hygienists as being strengthened as a result of their baccalaureate education in dental hygiene . An increase in depth and breadth of knowledge within and outside of dental hygiene theory and self‐confidence had also been reported . The differences between abilities gained after a diploma and a degree related to cognitive abilities rather than technical or clinical elements …”