| Abstract |
Dental hygienists are oral health professionals and providers who focus on providing primary oral care for preventing and treating oral diseases to help the population maintain their oral health. However, no relevant law in Taiwan protects the rights of dental hygienists. This study aimed to understand people’s views of the profession and willingness to establish dental hygienist legislation in Taiwan and to explore related factors.
In this study, we collected a total of 356 questionnaires from the Taiwanese population, and we found 347 of these questionnaires to be valid after excluding invalid questionnaires. SPSS20.0 statistical software was used for statistical analysis. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent sample t test, one-way analysis of variance, Chi-square test, Pearson correlation analysis, multiple linear regression, and logistic regression.
The results showed that most of the participants were females (70.9%), with a mean age of 30.31 years. Of these participants, 57.3% were undergraduate level, 40.6% worked in health care, 36.0% were residents of the south, 70.9% were unmarried, and 30.8% had an average monthly income of NT $40,000–$59,999. The statistical analysis indicated the following results: (1) there was a significant positive correlation between attitude toward dental hygienists and identification with dental hygienist legislation; (2) the positive attitude toward the establishment of dental hygienist legislation will affect people’s currently favor; and (3) most people have positive attitudes toward oral hygienist legislation and have high degree of recognition for dental hygienist’s role and responsibility.
The study also found that participants currently working in dental-related industries would be more supportive of the establishment of dental hygienist laws or regulations. Additionally, most of the participants agreed that oral hygienists should implement dental assistance, oral health care and oral hygiene education. Dental hygienists can not only assist dentists as part of the dental team but can also provide better medical quality and efficiency. We hope that the government will address the issue of dental hygienist legislation and thereby assist dental hygienists in bringing their professional skills and abilities into full play. |
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