Sixty percent of dental hygienists own a smartphone, and 48% own a tablet computer such as an iPad or Kindle, according to a survey conducted by PennWell Corp. But the technology is still primarily used for personal reasons rather than professional reasons.
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According to the survey of 1,443 dental hygienists in the United States, 63% search the Internet for professional information one to two hours a week, and only 4% spend more than three hours a week online for career related reasons. In addition, 64% said they do not buy dental hygiene products online.
Only 19% access the Internet from within the office where they are employed. So most online access occurs away from the work setting.
Dental Internet sites are used by 47% of dental hygienists to research a dental product or service. But only 3% will go to a company’s website to place an order. Most dental hygienists continued to call the company or a dealer for samples or to place an order.
The survey results were compiled from Oct. 3 to Nov. 4 and were dominated by dental hygienists in the 40 to 60 years-old age range (63%). However, younger hygienists ages 20 to 30 — while more likely to possess the technological gadgets (87% have a smartphone) — still spend the same amount of time utilizing online access for professional reasons (64% for one to two hours a week).
Among smartphone users, though, the devices are being used to access professional information (68%). The infrequent professional usage of smartphones is perhaps why only 15% have downloaded an app from a dental association, or a dental manufacturer or dealer.
Smartphone owners are more inclined to use social media to interact with other dental professionals (48% use Facebook or Twitter, in comparison with the 25% among dental hygienists who do not have smartphones).
Overall, 40% of dental hygienists said they prefer to earn continuing education credits online. Sixty-six percent said they attend two or fewer live dental conferences or seminars each year, so 58% of professional Internet browsing is for information on continuing education.
