Background: Many infants in developing countries are faced with poverty, poor nutrition, limited access to healthcare, and exposure to communicable diseases that place them at risk for negative developmental consequences. Dysphagia is estimated to occur in 25-40% of normally developing, and 80-90% of infants with disabilities. International studies report the common causes of dysphagia to be of gastro-intestinal and neurological origin, yet limited research exists into the profile of paediatric dysphagia within developing contexts. Objective: To describe the profile of paediatric dysphagia in state hospitals, Gauteng. Methods: By means of a retrospective record review, this study investigated paediatric dysphagia (0-18 months) in state hospitals, Johannesburg. Hospital records of 263 infants with feeding impairments were analysed using descriptive statistics, phi correlations and logistical regression. Results: Findings revealed 214 underlying aetiological combinations whereby 65% (n=171) of infants experienced dysphagia secondary to a systemic illness, predominantly communicable diseases. The health professionals, management strategies and procedures employed in the assessment and intervention of paediatric dysphagia were context specific and related to the aetiological and social factors influencing the infants. Conclusion: Results differ significantly to those reflected in studies from developed countries. Of concern is the fact that 65% of infants experienced dysphagia secondary to a systemic illness, since with adequate nutrition, sanitation and health care, these conditions are potentially preventable. By improving social circumstances, the effects of systemic illnesses may be minimised, and may consequently decrease the number of infants affected by dysphagia. This implies that paediatric dysphagia in South Africa is no longer merely a health dilemma, but one which involves basic human rights.

The following is a study to determine if sufficient demand exists to start a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degree program in dental hygiene through a joint agreement for completion degrees between Valencia Community College and the University of Central Florida. To accomplish this objective two survey instruments were administered to randomly selected licensed dentists and dental hygienists in the state of Florida. Dental hygienists represented the potential student base for the proposed programs, and dentists represented the potential and prospective employers of graduated students of the proposed programs. To determine demand and demand characteristics, one survey instrument was mailed to 1,000 dental hygienists who were randomly selected using SAS software from a population of N=12,066 dental hygienists actively licensed to practice in the state of Florida. This sample of hygienists was approximately 8.3% of the total population. Of the 1,000 samples, 134 (or 13.4%) were returned. Of the 134 surveys returned, 123 (n=123) were included in this study. Eleven surveys were not included because of a majority of missing data or because the respondent indicated he or she already possessed a Bachelor or Master degree. A Likert-scale questionnaire was sent to each group of actively licensed dentists and actively licensed dental hygienists from the state of Florida. Responses from dental hygienists were overwhelmingly positive towards the addition of the Bachelor of Science degree program with an online distance-learning component. Those in favor of the Bachelor of Science degree program also provided a favorable response towards adding a Master of Science degree program in dental hygiene. The dentists, as potential future employers, also showed strong support in their responses for the additional degree programs with an additional management track component and believed it would elevate the professional standards of the dental hygiene field.