A study of the impact of dental hygienist concern on oral health care of the elderly / 대한구강보건학회지

OBJECTIVES: There is currently little research on dental hygienists' interest and need related to oral care. To perform elderly oral care effectively, dental hygienists must understand the features of aging in the elderly. The purpose of this study is to investigate how dental hygienists' interest affects oral care for the elderly.METHODS: 232 dental hygienists completed a self-reported questionnaire from March to April 2019. The questionnaires consisted of general characteristics of the subjects (6 items), elderly patient experience (11 items), and questions regarding aging (7 items). This study analyzed collected data by frequency analysis, ANOVA, Pearson correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis.RESULTS: Correlation analysis between concern, need, and participation in elderly oral care showed a significant amount of correlation among all variables. We found that gender (P=0.022), education level (P=0.029), workplace type (P=0.002), and the proportion of future elderly patients were statistically significant (P=0.001) factors affecting the level of concern.CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that experience in treating and caring for the elderly are essential factors for raising the interest and understanding of oral health care for elderly patients. Therefore, we should consider the development of various programs to raise interest in oral health for the elderly.

Effects of the 4C Core Competencies on Work Ability among Dental Hygienists / 치위생과학회지

BACKGROUND: This descriptive study aimed to examine the relationship between the 4C core competencies and work ability among dental hygienists.METHODS: From November 2018 to January 2019, data were collected-from 190 dental hygienists workong in dental clinics in Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongsangnam province using structured questionnaires. For the general characteristics of the dental hygienists, frequency and percentage were calculated, and the level of the 4C core competencies and work ability of dental hygienists was calculated using means and standard deviations. A multiple regression analysis was conducted to analyze the effects of the 4C core competencies on work ability.RESULTS: The mean scores for the 4C core competency levels of the dental hygienists were as follows: communication ability 3.34, critical thinking ability 3.41, creative problem-solving 3.40, and collaborative self-efficacy 3.27. Meanwhile the mean score for work ability level was 3.65. The predictive factors influencing work ability were communication ability and cooperative self-efficacy (p<0.001), and the sub-factors of critical thinking ability that affect work ability were sound conferences (p<0.01), intellectual fairness (p<0.05), intellectual enthusiasm (p<0.05), and self-confidence (p<0.001). Finally, the sub-factors of creative problem-solving ability that affect work ability were planning and execution (p<0.01) and performance evaluation (p<0.05).CONCLUSION: The current study showed that education programs covering the core competencies of dental hygienists, rather than the existing theoretical education program, should be developed and implemented to enhance 4C core competencies that affect work ability.

Comparing Oral Health Care Awareness and Practice in Pregnant Women with and without Oral Health Education Experience

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine differences in awareness and practice of oral health care in pregnant women with and without oral health care education experience. METHODS: Participants in the survey for this study were 221 pregnant women in female exclusive hospitals located in B city and G city. Data were collected from October to December, 2014 using self-report structured questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS/Win 21.0 program. RESULTS: The number of pregnant women experienced in oral health education was 36.2%. The oral health care awareness of pregnant women experienced in oral health education total score was 15.14±1.96, and inexperienced pregnant women total score was 14.14±2.63 (t=3.26, p=.001). The oral health care practice of pregnant women experienced in oral health education total score was 12.90±2.48, and inexperienced pregnant women total score was 10.95±4.06 (t=3.89, p<.001). The relationship between the awareness and practice of oral health care was positively correlated. CONCLUSION: Based on this study outcomes, considering the importance for oral health education in the antenatal care program when the pregnant women visiting the hospital for medical check-up.

Factors Affecting Clinical Competence of Dental Hygienists / 치위생과학회지

This study sought to examine the factors influencing clinical competence of dental hygienists. A survey on burnout, critical thinking tendency, self-esteem, self-leadership, professional self-concept and clinical competence was conducted with 254 dental hygienists using self-administered questionnaires. Correlation analysis was performed between study variables, and linear regression analysis identified factors influencing clinical competence. To determine a causal relationship among these factors, a path analysis was conducted at the 0.05 level of significance. Relationships among research variables showed significant positive correlations (p<0.01). Self-esteem, self-leadership, and professional self-concept were found to influence clinical competence (p<0.01). A causal relationship was also found among variables influencing clinical competence. Burnout and critical thinking had an indirect effect, whereas self-esteem, professional self-concept, and self-leadership had both direct and indirect effects. In conclusion, important factors influencing clinical competence of dental hygienists include self-esteem, self-leadership, and professional self-concept. Based on these findings, programs to enhance clinical competence of dental hygienists should be developed.

Factors Influencing Infection Control Awareness and Implementation Levels among Dental Hygienists / 치위생과학회지

A total of 228 dental hygienists working in dental hospitals and clinics in the Busan and Gyeongnam areas were surveyed between August 1, 2015, and October 15, 2015. The factors influencing infection control awareness and implementation levels among the dental hygienists were investigated to prepare basic data with the goal of establishing guidelines for systemic infection control. Treatment preparation support for infection control positively correlated with equipment and facility support (r=0.4343, p<0.01), treatment skill and information support (r=0.231, p<0.01), infection control education support (r=0.266, p<0.01), infection control awareness (r=0.354, p<0.01), and infection control implementation levels (r=0.442, p<0.01). Equipment and facility support positively correlated with treatment skill and information support (r=0.418, p<0.01), infection control education support (r=0.422, p<0.01), infection control awareness (r=0.404, p<0.01), and infection control implementation levels (r=0.454, p<0.01). Infection control education support positively correlated with infection control awareness (r=0.348, p<0.01) and infection control implementation levels (r=0.405, p<0.01). Infection control awareness positively correlated with the infection control implementation level (r=0.879, p<0.01). The factors influencing the awareness of infection control include treatment preparation support, equipment and facility support, treatment skill and information support, and infection control education support. The influencing the infection control implementation level include treatment preparation support, equipment and facility support, infection control education support, and treatment skill and information support. To enhance the awareness of infection control and implementation levels amongdental hygienists, an infection control system must be established and implemented A rigorous system for evaluating dental clinics must also be established to ensure an ideal dental treatment environment and to protect patients' health and safety.