Helene Conway is researching the perception of the scope of practice of dental assistants in Connecticut. Her thesis will examine whether dental assistants who receive formal training have a different perception of their scope of practice than those who receive on-the-job training only, and aims to determine if dental assistants in the state are performing duties illegally or beyond their scope. The study seeks to understand how the scope of practice of dental assistants impacts future opportunities for dental hygienists.

1. Helene Conway
DHYG 520
Thesis Topic
Thesis Topic: The perception of the Dental Assistant in CT in regards to their scope of practice.
Statement of the Problem: The problem is that many Dental Assistants in CT are performing illegal
duties.
Purpose of the Study: The purpose of this study is to determine if there is a statistically significant
difference in the scope of practice of dental assistants in CT who are formally trained or trained on the
job.
Significance of the Study: This study holds significance to the future employment opportunities for the
dental hygienist. Dental Assistants should not be practicing dental hygiene.
Hypothesis: There is a statistically significant increase in scope of practice perception in dental assistants
who receive formal training.
Null Hypothesis: There is no statistically significant difference in scope of practice perception in the
dental assistant who receives formal training.