Recognition of dental hygiene students about the advanced dental hygienist system for the elderly and people with disabilities

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the awareness of students majoring in dental hygiene regarding the advanced dental hygiene system for the elderly and people with disabilities. Methods: From September 25 to October 20, 2023, an online survey was conducted with junior and senior students in 27 universities, including eight in the Seoul area, seven in the Chungcheong area, eight in the Yeongnam area, and four in the Honam area. Data analysis methods included frequency analysis, independent t-test, and one-way ANOVA. Results: After graduation, 72.9% of students were willing to work as advanced dental hygienists for the elderly and people with disabilities, and had greater recognition of the system (p=0.042), role (p<0.001), and expected effect (p=0.027) of an advanced dental hygienist than students who were not willing to work in this capacity. Conclusions: It is necessary to introduce a system that recognizes advanced dental hygienists for their expertise in oral hygiene management for the elderly and people with disabilities.