Outcomes assessment in dental hygiene programs

In 1996, the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation instituted a revised accreditation standard for dental hygiene educational programs entitled Standard 12-Outcomes Assessment. As a result of this standard, all dental hygiene programs were required to assess the attainment of goals through a formal outcomes assessment process. This study examined and analyzed the implementation process used by dental hygiene programs. Twenty-two dental hygiene program directors were interviewed to collect information regarding their experiences. The directors indicated that their programs routinely and effectively assess student outcomes and use the acquired information to make needed program improvements and to demonstrate accountability to groups having a vested interest in the program. Several factors, such as the policy itself, as well as gaining faculty and administrative support, were viewed as important to implementation. Time constraints were identified as a major barrier. Outcomes assessment data have also been used by dental hygiene programs as leverage for funding requests that resulted in significant program enhancement.