This review aims to compare dental hygienists' attitudes and practices toward oral management for patients with
diabetes in Japan with findings in the United States. A literature review was conducted using Ichushi-Web and PubMed databases. Nine articles met the inclusion criteria. Dental hygienists in Japan acknowledged having insufficient knowledge about the practice of screening and the systemic condition of patients with diabetes, and about 60% were careful in their approach to oral management of patients with diabetes. At the same time, most dental hygienists in the United States were aware of the link between periodontal disease and diabetes and felt that it was important to practice chairside screening for diabetes. Moreover, they spent more time educating patients with diabetes about oral health than other patients. In both countries, dental hygienists acknowledged the need for medical-dental collaboration regarding the oral management of patients with diabetes. The present results may be helpful in considering the actual situation of dental hygienists in Japan. However, it is necessary to consider the scope of practice of dental hygienists in Japan and the United States when interpreting these results.
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