Abstract

BEHARDIEN, N; GORDON, N; RAYNER, C  and  CUPIDO, M. Oral hygienists' self-perceivedcompetence on completion of a blended learning course in local anaesthesia at a South African university. S. Afr. dent. j. [online]. 2018, vol.73, n.4, pp.309-315. ISSN 0375-1562.

INTRODUCTION: The expanding scope of practice of oral hygienists require universities to offer courses that would enhance their skills. Aim and objectives: To determine the self-perceived competence of oral hygienists to deliver local anaesthesia (LA) after completion of a blended-learning course. DESIGN: This was a descriptive, prospective study. METHODS: Data were collected at two stages, using self-administered questionnaires 1) immediately after the face-to face component of the course and 2) after the final assessment when participants had had the opportunity to deliver LA in their practices. Results and conclusions: All participants (n=25) were female, aged 26-55 years (mean=44 years). The most positive aspects of the course were the engagement with lecturers (90%), accessibility of notes (90%) and video clips (96%). At the end of the face-to-face period, participants (n=25) reported as having the knowledge (100%), skill (76%) and confidence (84%) to administer LA. Results from the second questionnaire (n=19) however, indicated lower scores for the same parameters. This could be explained by limited opportunity to practise LA prior to completion of the second questionnaire. The self-perceived competence of the participants and the practice dynamics appear to be determining factors as to whether LA is employed in their working environments.

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