Original Article

Influencing factors of empowerment in the clinical dental hygienists

Kyoung-Hye Min   Hee-Hong Min1,*   

Korea Dental Hospital
1Department of Dental Hygiene, Daejeon Health Institute of Technology

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the factors influencing empowerment among clinical dental hygienists. Through this study, we suggested to increase the empowerment and find concrete ways to increase the motivation and performance of individuals and organizations. Methods: A self-reported questionnaire was filled out by 202 dental hygienists of clinic from November 8 to December 10, 2018. Data were analyzed using SPSS 20.0. Independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, Scheffe’s post-hoc test, and Pearson correlation coefficients were reviewed, and a multiple regression analysis was conducted. Results: Dental hygienists scored 3.33 points on empowerment. The variables that influenced clinical empowerment were job satisfaction, career, monthly income, and preventive treatment. These factors explained 32.3% of the variance in dental clinic hygienists. Conclusions: To enhance the performance of individuals and organizations through increased empowerment, dental hygienists need support to perform more diverse roles, such as providing preventive measures and oral health education, to enhance their professional self-concept and autonomy.

Figures & Tables

Table 1. Reliability of instrument scales Unit: Mean±SD