The influence of clinical practice experience and environment on dental hygiene professionalism in dental hygiene students

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical practice experience and environment of dental hygiene students, and to determine how these factors relate to their dental hygiene professionalism. The aim was to provide data necessary to improve the clinical practice environment and promote professionalism in dental hygiene. Methods: A survey was conducted in August 2023 among dental hygiene students from five randomly selected universities in the metropolitan area. Data analysis methods included t-test, ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation coefficients, and stepwise multiple regression. Results: The main influencing factors of dental hygiene professionalism were the quality of instruction in the clinical practice, opportunities for learning, preparedness for students, and satisfaction with the practice institution (p<0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between the clinical practice environment and all sub-items of dental hygiene professionalism (p<0.05). Conclusions: The results of this study emphasize that the choice of practice institution is very important to enhance dental hygiene professionalism, and close collaboration between universities and practice institutions is highlighted to improve the quality of clinical practice guidance and opportunities for participation.