Use of the Cross-Cultural Adaptability Inventory to measure cultural competence in a dental hygiene program.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to determine changes in students' cross-cultural effectiveness using the Cross-Cultural Adaptability Inventory (CCAI). The inventory assessed strengths and weaknesses in 4 skill areas: Emotional Resilience, Flexibility/Openness, Perceptual Acuity, and Personal Autonomy. METHODS The CCAI was administered to 30 dental hygiene students during Orientation. Age and dental assisting experience were recorded to determine if those variables affected skill areas. The inventory was re-administered at the end of the first and second years of the program. Data from the 3 time periods were analyzed using t-tests (alpha=0.05) for the 4 skill areas. These scores were totaled and used to determine differences due to dental assisting experience or age. RESULTS T-tests found no significant differences (alpha=0.05) for the 4 skill areas and for total scores between administrations of the inventory. Age and dental assisting experience did not affect results. CONCLUSIONS No significant improvement in students' cross-cultural effectiveness over the course of the 2-year curriculum was determined using the CCAI. Results of each student's performance, however, were not shared until graduation. Sharing results earlier would have allowed students to identify strengths and weaknesses in their cross-cultural effectiveness. This knowledge may have motivated them to improve their skills when exposed to patient experiences and curricular content promoting cross-cultural effectiveness. Programs which decide to use this inventory may want to consider using a strategy of surveying and sharing results at appropriate points during the curriculum.