Research

Dentists’ perception of the image and work performance of male dental hygienists

Young Ki Kim1   Mi Ran Um2   KyungMi  Kim1,*   

Department of Dental Hygiene, Kyung-Dong University
1Department of Dental Hygiene, Dae-Won University

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to improve awareness of male dental hygiene by investigating the dentists’ perception of male dental hygienists’ image and work performance in clinical practice. The participants were 102 dentists who agreed to participate in this study. They completed- a self-administered questionnaire survey available on a website. The questionnaire comprised 26 questions, with each item scored on a 5-point Likert scale. The male dentists perceived that with an increase in the experience of male dental hygienists would be willing to pay more than for female dental hygienists. In the case of male dentists, male dental hygienists perceived that they would feel stressed in a women-centered work environment. Additionally, it was found that dentists who had experience working with Male dental hygienists responded more positively to work performance awareness than had no experience (p<0.05). Active employment of male dental hygienists in clinical practice, could positively change dentists’ perception of male dental hygienists.

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