Abstract
Objectives: This study is intended to provide a basic resource on the role of dental hygienists. It also intends to establish the identity of future dental hygienists by analyzing the clinical roles of currently practicing dental hygienists through the perspectives of dental hygiene students. Methods: The analysis was performed using the phenomenological method, and it involved 11 participants enrolled between November 20, 2019 and January 20, 2020. Methods: The analysis was done in the phenomenological method on total 11 participants from November 20, 2019 to January 20, 2020. Results: They were exposed to various types of learning. They did not have a sense of belonging, and they experienced the burden of self-learning. They experienced work burden beyond the legal work boundary and a lack of infection control by clinical institutions. They were not respected as professional workers, and they had poor working conditions. Their expertise was not recognized. Conclusions: This study will facilitate appropriate awareness and establish the identity of dental hygienists by critically evaluating their challenges and working conditions and presenting alternatives.
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