Abstract
This study was performed to provide a reference base to establish foundation for education about dental hygienist-related medical law and introduction of the system.A survey was conducted on 210 dental hygienists working at a dental clinic/ hospital in Jeollado. Data were analysed through chi-square test, one-way ANOVA, independent t-test, and Pearson’s correlation analysis using SPSS 21.0 program. The study instruments included general characteristics of the subjects, knowledge on laws related to dental hygiene, attitude towards dental hygienist-related medical laws, level of understanding of medical related laws, and medical dispute educational hours.The knowledge of dental hygienist-related medical law was high in dental hygienists aged 25 years and younger and with less than 3 years of clinical experience (p<0.05). The attitude towards the law was low in age of younger than 25 years, a three year college degree, a job position as a staff member, more than 5 years of work experience at present work place, and less than 3 years of clinical experience (p<0.05). Understanding of medical related laws was high in clinical staff members and with less than 3 years of clinical experience (p<0.05). Educational needs for medical dispute prevention was high in a job position as a staff member, low level of attitude towards dental hygienist-related medical law, and no attainment of education on medical dispute (p<0.05). The above results demonstrate that education and public relations about laws related with dental hygiene practice are essential. It is imperative to establish a systematic and bureaucratic legal system to prevent dental malpractice.
Figures & Tables
Table 1. General characteristics of the subjects Unit: N (%) (N=210)
