Abstract
This study was conducted to provide basic data for developing a professionalism improvement program for dental hygienists in preparation for the 4th industrial revolution era. Methods: A survey was conducted in 216 dental hygienists from May 3 to June 14, 2021, and statistical processing was performed using frequency analysis, t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis. Communication competence were at higher levels for dental hospital workers (3.98) and university/graduate school (3.94); professionalism was at higher levels for dental hospital workers (3.64), university/graduate school (3.55), and 7 or more dental hygienists at workplace (3.53); self leadership was at higher levels for dental hospital workers (4.11), university/graduate school (4.04), and intermediary manager (4.00); job performance was at higher levels for 11 years or more (4.08), university/graduate school (4.04), intermediary manager (4.04), and 30-34 years of age (4.04). There was positive correlation among communication competence, professionalism, self-leadership, and job performance. Factors affecting job performance were self-leadership (β=0.461), communication competence (β=0.353), 30-34 years of age (β=0.141), and total experience of 8-10 years (β=-0.149). In the era of the 4th industrial revolution, it is necessary to develop a program to strengthen the professional competence of dental hygienists.
Figures & Tables
Table 1. General characteristics of subjects
