Factors Affecting Clinical Competence of Dental Hygienists.
10.17135/jdhs.2016.16.5.331
- Author:
Hee Su LEE
1
;
Kyeung Ae JANG
Author Information
1. Department of Dental Hygiene, Silla University, Busan 46958, Korea. jka@silla.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Clinical competence;
Dental hygienists;
Professional self-concept;
Self-esteem;
Self-leadership
- MeSH:
Clinical Competence*;
Dental Hygienists*;
Humans;
Linear Models;
Thinking
- From:
Journal of Dental Hygiene Science
2016;16(5):331-338
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
This study sought to examine the factors influencing clinical competence of dental hygienists. A survey on burnout, critical thinking tendency, self-esteem, self-leadership, professional self-concept and clinical competence was conducted with 254 dental hygienists using self-administered questionnaires. Correlation analysis was performed between study variables, and linear regression analysis identified factors influencing clinical competence. To determine a causal relationship among these factors, a path analysis was conducted at the 0.05 level of significance. Relationships among research variables showed significant positive correlations (p<0.01). Self-esteem, self-leadership, and professional self-concept were found to influence clinical competence (p<0.01). A causal relationship was also found among variables influencing clinical competence. Burnout and critical thinking had an indirect effect, whereas self-esteem, professional self-concept, and self-leadership had both direct and indirect effects. In conclusion, important factors influencing clinical competence of dental hygienists include self-esteem, self-leadership, and professional self-concept. Based on these findings, programs to enhance clinical competence of dental hygienists should be developed.
