In my second year of my education, I had the experience of writing a research paper on Water Fluoridation, which I found very useful for the years following. Water fluoridation is a “hot topic”, and now I am well educated on both sides of the debate. I also learned, on a molecular level, how fluoride works. The value of this research is a great one, and to write my paper took critical thinking, research use, and investigation of the topic. Evidence based practice is still a culture in development for dental hygiene, and its use and development are essential for the “professionalization” of the title.(1) The UBC Bachelor of Dental Science Degree Program takes an active step towards proving dental hygiene is capable of being a self-regulated profession that will make sound, evidence-based decisions and contribute to research. Being a part of this firsthand, I want to advocate for the profession through my use of research, and through demonstrating basic skills in conducting a literature review.
1. Cobban SJ, Evidence-based practice and the professionalization of dental hygiene. Int J Dent Hyg 2004; 2(4):152-60.