한국치위생학회

A qualitative study on the present working conditions of dental hygienists and the oral health awareness of older adults with dementia - Focus group interviews -

Su-Yeon Seo1   Yoon-Young Choi2   Kyeong-Hee Lee1,*   

Department of Dental Hygiene, Shinhan University
1Artificial Intelligence Big Data Medical Center, Yonsei University Wonju College

Abstract

Objectives: This study investigated the working conditions of dental hygienists and their challenges in providing oral care to older adults with dementia using focus group interviews. Methods: We collected data for approximately a month beginning from August 2020 and divided the study subjects into two groups: the health dental hygienist and the clinical dental hygienist groups. A total of 11 subjects participated in this study. Results: The oral health management of older adult patients with dementia has not been efficiently carried out in local communities or dental medical institutions. In addition, dental hygienists encounter difficulties in managing the oral health of these patients and hope to actively learn more about their special cases. Conclusions: Based on the results of this study, it is necessary to develop a manual or program for the professional implementation of oral health interventions for older adults with dementia.

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