Abstract
This study aimed to examine the opinions of registered dental hygienists (RDH) and dental hygiene students (DHS), professionals who can practice visiting oral health care (VOHC), and the demand for specialized training courses of RDH for VOHC. Using a Google online survey, 125 RDH and 106 DHS personnel were surveyed on their perception of VOHC and the operation of special training courses. RDH (97.6%) and DHS (96.1%) agreed that they needed VOHC for older people. Moreover, the qualification course for specialized training for VOHC was considered necessary. Regarding the appropriate curriculum, RDH preferred training programs comprising 2-hours classes over 6 months and 15 weeks and so on, and DHS preferred 3 hours classes over 6 months and 15 weeks and so on. Regarding the desired working type, the RDH preferred the half-day system, whereas the DHS preferred the alternate-day system. The Korean Dental Hygienists Association was intended for human resource development. They agreed that continuing education was necessary when working as a visiting RDH, and many responded that they would participate if a specialized training course was opened. RDH and DHS have a high level of awareness of the importance and necessity of VOHC, and consider a specialized training qualification course necessary for efficient VOHC.
Figures & Tables
Fig. 1. A word cloud on the difference between visiting oral care and dental clinic work
