The Assessment of Ageism in Dental Hygiene Students and Dental Hygienists: A Cross-sectional Study

Authors

• Paolo Boffano, Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy. Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia.Follow
• Elena Canciani, Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy.Follow
• Valeria Nikolovska, Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy.Follow
• Francesca Santeusanio, Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy.Follow
• Andrea Melle, Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy.Follow

Abstract

Objectives: Ageism is a common type of discrimination and prejudice that consists in the stereotyping and discrimination against individuals or groups on the basis of their age.The purpose of this study was to assess dental hygienists and dental hygiene students’ attitudes toward geriatric patients, the perceptions of curriculum suitability, and their confidence in treating geriatric patients, together with an assessment of ageism in the study population.

Methods: A survey was conducted among dental hygienists and dental hygiene students. The first part of the questionnaire contained questions related to demographics, and regarding their opinion on treatment in the geriatric population. The second part of the survey included the ASDS scale.

Results: A total of 57 participants responded to the survey with a mean age of 26.2 years. Second year and third year students, as well as graduate dental hygienists, were significantly more confident in treating and managing geriatric patients on their own compared to first year students (P = 0.02). The lowest values (less ageism) of ASDS were recorded in factor 1 (values/ethics about older people; 2.51 in Q8 item) and the highest (more ageism) in factor 3 (barriers to dental care; 4.70 in Q20 item) and factor 2 (patient compliance; 4.37 in Q11 item).

Conclusions: The current study shows that, in spite of low ageist starting attitudes, the behavior dental hygiene students and dental hygienists toward geriatric patients could still be improved.

Recommended Citation

Boffano, Paolo; Canciani, Elena; Nikolovska, Valeria; Santeusanio, Francesca; and Melle, Andrea (2025) "The Assessment of Ageism in Dental Hygiene Students and Dental Hygienists: A Cross-sectional Study," International Arab Journal of Dentistry: Vol. 17: Iss. 1, Article 7.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.65314/2218-0885.1819
Available at: https://e-journals.usj.edu.lb/iajd/vol17/iss1/7