Study: Utilizing DentView Data in the Work of a Dental Hygienist

Jonna Heinonen and Anni Kiiveri, Master of Health Care (Oral Hygiene) students in the Digital Solutions for Well-being program at Oulu University of Applied Sciences, conducted a study on the utilization of the DentViewPro self-care reporting tool in the work of a dental hygienist. The study was a qualitative interview study, and it involved dental hygienists working in the wellbeing services counties of Central Uusimaa (KEUSOTE) and Central Ostrobothnia (SOITE).

The DentView service system was generally well received. The large screen of the virtual kiosk was praised, the system's data security was appreciated, and the orthodontics section, in particular, was found to be clear and effective. Based on the responses, DentView was perceived as serving all age groups, with special recognition for its potential in assisting non-native speakers.

DentViewPro proved to be a functional aid at different stages of a dental hygienist's daily work. The availability of pre-collected self-care habit data at the beginning of the appointment was considered valuable. DentView was seen as supporting the self-care guidance provided during the appointment. The system was perceived to enhance patient education by making the guidance more comprehensive and visually engaging.

However, the effectiveness of utilizing the DentViewPro self-care report was largely dependent on how the dental hygienist directed the patient to use the virtual kiosk. When responses were completed before the appointment, the use of DentViewPro was more versatile and beneficial.

Most dental hygienists believed that the DentView service system could be systematically utilized for all patients, but routine adoption required adjustments in professional workflows. Initially, integrating DentViewPro into daily practice slowed down the work process, but over time, it was found to increase efficiency. Continuous training and guidance on the system within organizations were seen as key factors in facilitating workflow changes.

Development suggestions included integrations with patient information systems and the potential for mobile usage.

A full version of the study will be published soon.

We sincerely thank Jonna and Anni for their exceptionally well-executed work! These findings are highly valuable to us. Our goal is to continuously refine the service to best support professionals. Ensuring a seamless user experience from the professional's perspective is of utmost importance. At the moment, we are also focusing on a mobile version to guarantee a smooth service pathway.