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J Dent Educ. 73(5): 563-570 2009
© 2009 American Dental Education Association
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Critical Issues in Dental Education

Cross-Cultural Adaptability of Texas Dental Hygienists and Dental Hygiene Students: A Preliminary Study

Tabitha Tavoc, Ph.D.; Ron Newsom, Ph.D.; Janice P. DeWald, D.D.S., M.S.

Key words: culture, cross-cultural adaptability, cultural competence, dental hygienists, dental hygiene students

Submitted for publication 09/16/08; accepted 02/10/09

This study sought to determine if statistically significant differences existed among and between licensed dental hygienists and first- and second-year dental hygiene students in Texas on a cross-cultural adaptability measure. The cross-cultural adaptability of licensed dental hygienists and of first- and second-year dental hygiene students attending five randomly selected dental hygiene schools in Texas was investigated. A sample of 289 individuals completed the fifty-item Cross-Cultural Adaptability Inventory (CCAI) and a brief demographic survey, resulting in 278 usable responses. The CCAI yields a total score and four individual subscale scores that describe a person’s readiness to interact with people of different cultures. The results revealed no statistically significant differences among the licensed hygienists and students in the first and second years of study and CCAI scores. A statistically significant relationship (r=.148) was found between age and one of the four CCAI subscale scores: flexibility/openness. No other statistically significant relationships were found. The number of years to earn a degree, level of practice, ethnicity, and years employed may not play a significant role in enhancing cross-cultural adaptability. Further research needs to be conducted to determine differences and relationships between and among various dental hygiene groups and their cross-cultural adaptability performance.






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