AN EVALUATION OF INCIDENCE AND PERCEPTIONS OF INCIVILITY AMONG DENTAL HYGIENE STUDENTS AND FACULTY/ADMINISTRATORS
Date
2020-05
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Abstract
There has been a documented increase in incivility throughout American culture and higher education; however, there is a lack of research exploring the existence of incivility in dental hygiene education. The purpose of this cross sectional, phenomenological study was to examine the incidence and perceptions of incivility among dental hygiene students compared to dental hygiene faculty and administrators in various dental hygiene institutions in California.
With permission, a previously designed and validated survey, the Incivility in Higher Education-Revised survey, was modified and adapted to obtain both quantitative and qualitative data regarding the incidence and perceptions of incivility among dental hygiene students and faculty/administrators. This study included 236 participants, 83.9% were dental hygiene students (n=198), 16.1% were dental hygiene faculty and administrators (n=38). ANOVA revealed statistically significant differences related to the incidence and perceptions of uncivil student and faculty/administrators’ behaviors did exist. Data analysis of participant responses related to the primary reason for uncivil behavior in dental hygiene education revealed five themes including lack of consequences, personality traits, miscommunication, stress, and lack of professionalism. Upon data analysis of participant responses related to the most significant consequence of uncivil behavior in dental hygiene education five themes emerged including hostile environment, decreased student success, emotional distress, relationship damage, and professional damage.
This study confirmed the existence of incivility in dental hygiene education. If left unaddressed, these effects can radiate throughout the environment compromising the physical and emotional safety off all parties involved as well as innocent bystanders. It is clear that both faculty and students feel there is a lack of consequences for uncivil behavior and do not feel adequately equipped to manage these situations when they arise. Dental hygiene institutions and professional organizations need to consider offering advanced training in creating a culture of civility and preventing and addressing uncivil behaviors.