Study Performance as Predictors of Dental Hygiene National Board Success

Several studies have been conducted to evaluate predictors of success on the Dental Hygiene National Board Exam (DHNBE). Other than a formal board review study, no other studies have evaluated study preparation for the DHNBE. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate preparation factors (hours studied, weeks studied, references used, formal and school review sessions attended) as they related to success on the DHNBE. Methods: Thirty-five graduating dental hygiene students were asked to attend a voluntary luncheon and independently complete the 15-question survey the day after the DHNBE. Four survey questions asked about subject demographics; two were about time preparation; four pertained to resources implemented and formal review sessions attended; and five were open-ended questions pertaining to costs incurred, suggestions, and advice for future students. A total of sixteen variables were analyzed (race, age, SAT, exit GPA, weeks/study, hours/week, money spent, use of textbooks, notes, dental hygiene decks, study groups, old tests, compact disks, and material reviewed such as gross anatomy, dental materials). The outcome variable was DHNBE score (dichotomized as £79 versus ³80). Univariate and bivariate analyses were conducted. Results: Among the 34 respondents (97%), relevant mean values were 12 study weeks with 13 hours studied per week. Eighty-five percent reported attending formal board review sessions. The average DHNBE score was 84. Study methods that included the use of dental decks (yes vs no) (p=0.009) and study groups (yes vs no) (p=0.044) were significantly associated with the outcome. In addition, an exit GPA > 3.0 was significant (0.035). Conclusions: Based on these preliminary findings, the use of dental hygiene decks and participation in study groups in addition to an overall high performance during the dental hygiene program appear to be predictive factors of a successful performance on the DHNBE.