Master of Health and Human Services, Youngstown State University, 2024, Department of Health Professions

Ankyloglossia and Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMD) can play a major role in the inhibition of proper craniofacial growth and development. They are also linked to the development of chronic health conditions which have negative connotations for one's quality of life. Dental professionals have a unique opportunity to identify restrictions and dysfunction so that their patients can become educated on their condition and seek treatment as early as possible. This research serves to examine the degree of knowledge on ankyloglossia and OMDs within the dental community and will help to generate an educational program for post licensure professionals. This quantitative study was conducted by administering surveys to all licensed professionals in the state of Ohio (n=211) who have an active licensure to practice dentistry or dental hygiene. The study data demonstrated a high level of education on ankyloglossia (60%) with a high level of routine screening and documenting of this condition (59%). It also demonstrated a low level of knowledge on orofacial myofunctional disorders (40%). A ChiSquare test was completed to determine that there is a significant correlation between education and the screening and documenting of ankyloglossia between Dentists who hold a DDS/DMD degree and Registered Dental Hygienists (RDH), p<.001.

Committee: Daniel Van Dussen PhD (Committee Chair); Diane Kandray PhD (Committee Member); Daniel Cesene EdD (Committee Member) Subjects: Dentistry