Factors affecting North Carolina dental hygienists' confidence in providing obesity education and counseling

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether dental hygienists in North Carolina are confident to counsel patients who are obese or at-risk for obesity. A questionnaire was used to survey 246 dental hygienists attending a continuing education course. It investigated self-reported confidence in providing obesity counseling, educational preparation, outcome expectations, and self-efficacy. The primary outcome was confidence in providing weight loss counseling. Mantel Haensel statistics were used to compare group of interest. Of the dental hygienists surveyed, 95% felt that they have a role in helping patients improve nutrition. Over half (65%) expressed confidence in discussing obesity-related health risks. On average, the confidence in getting patients to follow weight loss advice was significantly different (p=.02) for those with a 2 year and those with a 4+ year degree. The findings indicate that many North Carolina dental hygienists are willing to discuss obesity with patients