A Predictive Model of Dental Hygiene National Board Success

Dental hygiene decks, study groups, and final semester grade point average have been reported as predictor variables for success on the Dental Hygiene National Board Exam (DHNBE). Objectives: The purpose of this study was to develop a predictive model using preparation factors (i.e. hours studied, weeks studied, references used, formal and school review sessions attended) as they related to success on the DHNBE. Methods: Seventy UNC dental hygiene students representing two recently graduated classes were asked to independently complete a 15-question survey within a week after the administration of the DHNBE. Four survey questions were about subject demographics; two were about time preparation; four were about resources implemented and formal review sessions attended; and five were open-ended questions pertaining to costs incurred, suggestions, and advice for future students on board preparation. A total of eighteen variables were analyzed (year, degree, other degrees, weeks/study, hours/week, formal board course, money spent, use of textbooks, class notes, dental hygiene decks, study groups, old tests, compact disks, web sites, board review game, released boards, and material reviewed such as gross anatomy, nutrition). The outcome variable was DHNBE score (continuous variable). Univariate and bivariate analyses were used to develop a multivariable linear regression model. Results: Among the 70 respondents (100%), relevant mean values were 12 study weeks with 12 hours studied per week. Eighty-six percent reported attending formal board review sessions. The average DHNBE score was 84. Study methods that included the use of class notes (no vs yes) (p=0.02), but no textbooks (no vs yes) (p=0.01) were significant variables in the predictive model. Conclusion: Based on these findings, reviewing class notes appears to be predictive of a successful performance on the DHNBE. Future research should test the predictive model.