Application of the Dental Hygiene Human Needs Conceptual Model and the Oral Health-Related Quality of Life Model to the dental hygiene curriculum in Japan.

This paper reports the incorporation of the Dental Hygiene Human Needs Conceptual Model (DHHN) and the Oral Health-Related Quality of Life Model (OHRQL) into a dental hygiene curriculum in Japan. A simulated patient practice was offered to 67 dental hygiene students. In the practice activity, all students were introduced to the use of an OHRQL assessment tool. A DHHN assessment tool was utilized additionally only by the experimental student group. The statistical analysis of the post-practice survey showed that the OHRQL instrument was more helpful in assessment and problem identification than the DHHN instrument. By contrast, text-based analysis of dental hygiene diagnostic statements showed that the experimental group identified more domains of patients' human needs deficits than the control group. This suggested the possibility that the DHHN model helped them to see patients from broader perspectives. However, it was difficult for students to design care plans attending to the domains of the models. Also, in considerations to the cultural issues, the validity and equivalence of the Japanese versions of both models should be further investigated. Within the limitation of the present study, the results suggested that incorporation of the combination of the DHHN and OHRQL models can be useful in a dental hygiene curriculum, as each tool helps students expand the perspective from which they view client. Further improvements in learning strategies should facilitate the effective utilization of these models.