Journal of Korean Society of Dental Hygiene (J Korean Soc Dent Hyg)
Original Article

Effects of sense of belonging, major satisfaction, and resilience on career identity among dental hygiene students

Department of Dental Hygiene, Daejeon Health University

Correspondence to Hee-Hong Min, Department of Dental Hygiene, Daejeon Health University, 21 Chungjeong-ro, Dong-gu, Daejeon-si, 54504, Korea. Tel: +82-42-670-9194, Fax: +82-42-670-9586, E-mail: hhmin1@hanmail.net

Volume 25, Number 5, Pages 457-63, October 2025.
J Korean Soc Dent Hyg 2025;25(5):457-63. https://doi.org/10.13065/jksdh.2025.25.5.11
Received on September 19, 2025, Revised on October 02, 2025, Accepted on October 09, 2025, Published on October 30, 2025.
Copyright © 2025 Journal of Korean Society of Dental Hygiene.
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0).

Abstract

Objectives: This study explored how sense of belonging, satisfaction with one’s major, and resilience influence the development of career identity among dental hygiene students. Methods: A total of 180 dental hygiene students in South Korea were surveyed using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation, and multiple regression with SPSS. Results: Career identity was significantly and positively correlations with sense of belonging (r=0.399), major satisfaction (r=0.577), and resilience (r=0.485). Multiple regression analysis identified clinical practice satisfaction (β=-0.177, p=0.004), sense of belonging (β=-0.183, p=0.034), resilience (β=0.326, p<0.001), and major satisfaction (β=0.400, p<0.001) as significant predictors, collectively explaining 41.9% of the variance in career identity. Conclusions: In order to strengthen career identity among dental hygiene students, it is crucial to cultivate a sense of belonging within clinical environments, enhance major satisfaction, and promote resilience. The implementation of integrated career guidance and emotional support systems is recommended.

Keywords

Career identity, Dental hygiene, Resilience, Major satisfaction

Section