Mobile Technology in Dental Hygiene Education and Practice

Abstract

The adoption of mobile technology in the education of health care practitioners has become more widespread. As more dental hygienists work in independent settings, the use of mobile technology at the point of care is essential to provide optimal oral health care. Very little work has been done to study the adoption of mobile technology in dental hygiene practice and education. The purpose of this study is to identify the current use of mobile technology in dental hygiene education, and dental hygiene clinicians', educators' and students' perceptions about this use. Results reveal that mobile technology use in dental hygiene education is still in its infancy. Educators and students value their use and feel that mobile technology can enhance dental hygiene practice. Collaboration with governing bodies to create best practice guidelines for the clinical use and increased dialogue amongst educators must be encouraged to discover and promote champions for change.