Master's Thesis – A Long but Rewarding Process
We are two Master's degree students in Digital Solutions for Wellbeing at Oulu University of Applied Sciences, both with a background in dental hygiene. We began our studies in the autumn of 2023, and now we are in the final stages. We initiated our thesis process in the same autumn, in collaboration with DentView.
Our research focuses on user experiences with the DentViewPro self-care reporting tool, as well as its potential applications and development needs in the work of a dental hygienist. The aim was to generate insights into user experiences with the DentViewPro self-care reporting tool and how the data produced by this feature can be utilized in dental hygienists' work. The thesis was conducted as a qualitative study. We interviewed dental hygienists working in the KEUSOTE and SOITE regions who had used the Pro feature in their work.
Key Research Findings
The results showed that dental hygienists found the DentView service system as a whole to be beneficial and useful. The DentViewPro feature serves as a valuable support tool, particularly in guiding self-care. The report data was perceived as clear and easy to use.
The most surprising finding was that most dental hygienists had not yet fully integrated the feature into their daily routines. The approach to directing patients to the DentView virtual kiosk varied — some guided patients to use the kiosk before the appointment, while others did so afterward. This significantly impacts the effectiveness of DentViewPro, as the benefit is reduced if the guidance occurs only after the appointment. It would be recommended that patients be directed to the virtual kiosk before their appointment, allowing the dental hygienist to gain the optimal benefits of the DentViewPro feature.
Other challenges related to integrating the DentView service system into practice included the dental hygienists' tight schedules, adapting the feature into existing workflows, and patient-related factors. The study also explored development needs for DentView and strategies for integrating the DentView service system more comprehensively into all patient care processes.
Completing this thesis has been a long and comprehensive learning journey, teaching us a great deal about both our own competencies and the importance of collaboration. Not everything in the thesis process went according to plan, but the moments when we had to find solutions were the most educational ones. One of the key factors throughout the process has been strong cooperation — both between us as a working pair and with our partners.
It has been rewarding to explore the unique DentView system, and we are convinced that DentView is an excellent tool for preventive oral healthcare. We would like to extend our warmest thanks to our collaboration partners for their support, trust, and understanding throughout this process. We hope that the results of our thesis will contribute to DentView's development and benefit oral healthcare professionals in the future.
Jonna Heinonen & Anni Kiiveri