An Analysis of Prophylaxis Time Allotment Gaps Post-graduation from Madison College Hygiene Program and the Impact on New Graduates

Abstract

Madison College is the primary instructional institution responsible for the production of dental hygienists in south central Wisconsin. A longstanding time allotment gap exists between school training and industry expectations. The time allotment gap from school to private practice is more than triple, leaving new graduates under prepared to meet industry demands. Qualtrics questionnaires were emailed to two groups of participants; the Madison College faculty and the practicing dental hygienists who graduated from Madison College. The questionnaire email sentto Madison College faculty was to determine what factors go into time allotment considerations. Results revealed the faculty members were influenced by board exams and passing requirements more than the industry standard. Faculty felt distressed about the time gap. The second survey was emailed to practicing dental hygienists to determine the impact the time differential had on them as new graduates entering the work force. Survey answers uncovered a high percentage of dental hygienists feeling stressed to keep on time and overwhelmed by their overall lack of preparedness as they entered the work force. An online data tracking collection was compiled to compare how the industry lists its job postings according to experience. Hiring managers posted jobs requiring one year of experience at a rate of three out of every five postings. The research suggests the need for further considerations on how to minimize the time allotment gap for dental hygienists at Madison College prior to graduation.