Dental Hygienists' Readiness to Perform Resin Infiltrations: A Qualitative Study From Finland

Objectives: Resin infiltration is a micro-invasive treatment method for non-cavitated enamel lesions that aims to arrest the progression of carious lesions and improve the aesthetic qualities of teeth. The aim of this study is to provide a description of dental hygienists' readiness to perform resin infiltration and their experiences of performing it.

Methods: The study was conducted during the years 2020 and 2021 using qualitative research methods. The data was collected through semi-structured single interviews and analysed using inductive content analysis. The informants were dental hygienists (n = 10) from Finland. The criterion for participation was experience of performing resin infiltration. The average number of procedures performed was seven. Five out of 10 informants had received training in the technique prior to their first procedure.

Results: Dental hygienists had varied experiences of resin infiltrations. The readiness required to perform resin infiltrations was seen to be equivalent to their basic professional skills. Assessing the treatability and extent of lesions caused uncertainty, though readiness was felt to improve with experience. Resin infiltration training and inclusion in the curriculum of a dental hygienist was perceived to be important. The treatment was felt to be well suited to the job description of dental hygienists.

Conclusions: The results indicate that dental hygienists in Finland have adequate readiness to perform resin infiltration. However, the results are based on 10 informants' experiences and therefore cannot be generalised. Including resin infiltration in a dental hygienist's training programme could enhance dental hygienists' readiness to perform resin infiltrations.