Background: This study aimed to investigate the effects of department satisfaction and career maturity on the perceived health status, relationship, and self-efficacy of dental hygiene college students based on Alderfer’s existence-relationship-growth theory. Methods: We obtained convenience samples of dental hygiene students in Daejeon and Chungnam areas; 241 questionnaires were collected from 250 persons considering the dropout rate and used for the final analysis except for 9 careless responses. The differences in perceived health status, relationship, self-efficacy, department satisfaction, and career maturity according to general characteristics were analyzed using a t-test, one-way analysis of variance and Pearson’s correlation coefficients. Moreover, structural equation modeling was performed to confirm the variables. GFI, AGFI,CFI, RMR, RMSEA, TLI, and NFI indices were calculated to verify the fitness of the path model. Results: There were significant differences in self-efficacy, department satisfaction, career maturity according to grade, and significant differences in academic performance for all variables except relationship. The school system also had a significant effect on department satisfaction. Perceived health status, relationship, self-efficacy, department satisfaction, and career maturity demonstrated statistically significant positive correlations (p＜0.05). The factors affecting department satisfaction were relationship and self-efficacy. The indirect and total effects of perceived health status and relationship on career maturity were not statistically significant; however, the indirect and total effects of self-efficacy on career maturity were statistically significant. Conclusion It is necessary to develop teaching methods according to student management plans for dental hygiene by comprehensively perceived health status, relationship, and self-efficacy affecting department satisfaction and career maturity.

Background: This study aimed to analyze trends in qualitative research within the field of dental hygiene, focusing on paperspublished in Korean journals from 2000 to 2023. As dental hygienists play a crucial role in preventive oral health, understanding the breadth and depth of qualitative research in this field is essential for advancing practice and education. Methods: This descriptive survey research study analyzed 23 qualitative studies using the Consolidated Criteria for ReportingQualitative Research (COREQ) as a framework. Studies were selected through a comprehensive search of Korean databases. The analysis covered research topics, participant types, methodological approaches, and adherence to COREQ domains, including“Research Team and Reflexivity,” “Study Design,” and “Analysis and Findings.” Results: The analysis revealed that most studies employed a phenomenological methodology (36.4%). Additionally, 87.0% of thestudies mentioned Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval and only 8.7% utilized qualitative data analysis software. The studies primarily focused on oral care for the elderly, communication, and the experiences of dental hygienists. Furthermore, 95.7% of the studies included participant quotations, but only 56.5% checked data saturation. Conclusion This study highlights the need for a more diverse methodological approach in dental hygiene research. Journalsshould also emphasize strict adherence to IRB guidelines and encourage the use of qualitative data analysis software to enhance the rigor of research. By strengthening the systematic foundation of qualitative research in dental hygiene, the field can better address clinical challenges and expand the understanding of dental hygienists’ work environments.

Background: This study aimed to identify the present level and needs of clinical dental hygienists and to present the Borich needsassessment and the locus for focus model as integrated priorities. Methods: The participants of this study were dental hygienists working in dental clinics (hospitals). The final data of the 194 participants were analyzed using frequency analysis and a paired sample t-test. To analyze the need for clinical dental hygienists to perform work, the Borich priority determination formula was used. The x-y plane consisting of four quadrants was used to analyze the need using the locus for focus model, which helps to determine the priority while showing visual effects. Results: “Scaling” was the highest required level for clinical dental hygienists, and “panorama taking” was the highest present level.The priorities of educational needs were systematically and visually derived from dental hygienists who were currently working through the Borich needs assessment and the locus for focus model for each task performed in the clinical field. Through the priorities of these two models, a total of 13 items appeared in the common high-level area; “oral health care (disability),” “oral health care (systemic disease),” “applying a rubber dam,” “professional mechanical tooth cleaning,” “root planing,” “taking vital signs,” “medication counseling,” “wire cutting,” “removing cement after removing band/bracket,” “delivering bracket,” “preparing mini-screw implantation,” “dental insurance claim,” and “patient reception.” Conclusion Based on the results, the department of dental hygiene should maintain and improve the standardized clinical practice curriculum and clinical dental hygienists’ practical skills and contribute to the realization of the legal scope of dental hygienists, reflecting the requirements of clinical fields.

Background: This study aimed to analyze trends in qualitative research within the field of dental hygiene, focusing on paperspublished in Korean journals from 2000 to 2023. As dental hygienists play a crucial role in preventive oral health, understanding the breadth and depth of qualitative research in this field is essential for advancing practice and education. Methods: This descriptive survey research study analyzed 23 qualitative studies using the Consolidated Criteria for ReportingQualitative Research (COREQ) as a framework. Studies were selected through a comprehensive search of Korean databases. The analysis covered research topics, participant types, methodological approaches, and adherence to COREQ domains, including“Research Team and Reflexivity,” “Study Design,” and “Analysis and Findings.” Results: The analysis revealed that most studies employed a phenomenological methodology (36.4%). Additionally, 87.0% of thestudies mentioned Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval and only 8.7% utilized qualitative data analysis software. The studies primarily focused on oral care for the elderly, communication, and the experiences of dental hygienists. Furthermore, 95.7% of the studies included participant quotations, but only 56.5% checked data saturation. Conclusion This study highlights the need for a more diverse methodological approach in dental hygiene research. Journalsshould also emphasize strict adherence to IRB guidelines and encourage the use of qualitative data analysis software to enhance the rigor of research. By strengthening the systematic foundation of qualitative research in dental hygiene, the field can better address clinical challenges and expand the understanding of dental hygienists’ work environments.

Background: Dental hygienists, who play a vital role in promoting oral health, experience burnout due to various factors. This study aimed to identify these factors through a scoping review of the literature on burnout among dental hygienists in Korea to develop prevention and intervention strategies for burnout. Methods: The literature review was conducted following a scoping review protocol, which included five stages: identifying the literature question, identifying relevant studies, study selection, charting the data, summarizing, and reporting the results. Of the 352 documents initially reviewed, 35 were ultimately selected as final studies. These documents were analyzed to identify general characteristics and key variables related to burnout and to review the recommendations made by the studies. Results: Analysis of the final documents revealed that most studies published between 2013 and 2018 involved sample sizes ranging from 201 to 300 participants. Burnout-related characteristics include age, salary, work experience, and marital status. Emotional labor was the key variable most frequently identified, followed by intention to leave, job stress, job satisfaction, job involvement, and self-efficacy. Conclusion This study suggests that strategies for preventing and intervening in burnout should be developed through both personal efforts and institutional measures. This approach will improve the work environment for dental hygienists and, consequently, enhance the quality of dental healthcare services.

Background: This study aimed to analyze trends in qualitative research within the field of dental hygiene, focusing on paperspublished in Korean journals from 2000 to 2023. As dental hygienists play a crucial role in preventive oral health, understanding the breadth and depth of qualitative research in this field is essential for advancing practice and education. Methods: This descriptive survey research study analyzed 23 qualitative studies using the Consolidated Criteria for ReportingQualitative Research (COREQ) as a framework. Studies were selected through a comprehensive search of Korean databases. The analysis covered research topics, participant types, methodological approaches, and adherence to COREQ domains, including“Research Team and Reflexivity,” “Study Design,” and “Analysis and Findings.” Results: The analysis revealed that most studies employed a phenomenological methodology (36.4%). Additionally, 87.0% of thestudies mentioned Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval and only 8.7% utilized qualitative data analysis software. The studies primarily focused on oral care for the elderly, communication, and the experiences of dental hygienists. Furthermore, 95.7% of the studies included participant quotations, but only 56.5% checked data saturation. Conclusion This study highlights the need for a more diverse methodological approach in dental hygiene research. Journalsshould also emphasize strict adherence to IRB guidelines and encourage the use of qualitative data analysis software to enhance the rigor of research. By strengthening the systematic foundation of qualitative research in dental hygiene, the field can better address clinical challenges and expand the understanding of dental hygienists’ work environments.

Background: This study aimed to analyze trends in qualitative research within the field of dental hygiene, focusing on paperspublished in Korean journals from 2000 to 2023. As dental hygienists play a crucial role in preventive oral health, understanding the breadth and depth of qualitative research in this field is essential for advancing practice and education. Methods: This descriptive survey research study analyzed 23 qualitative studies using the Consolidated Criteria for ReportingQualitative Research (COREQ) as a framework. Studies were selected through a comprehensive search of Korean databases. The analysis covered research topics, participant types, methodological approaches, and adherence to COREQ domains, including“Research Team and Reflexivity,” “Study Design,” and “Analysis and Findings.” Results: The analysis revealed that most studies employed a phenomenological methodology (36.4%). Additionally, 87.0% of thestudies mentioned Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval and only 8.7% utilized qualitative data analysis software. The studies primarily focused on oral care for the elderly, communication, and the experiences of dental hygienists. Furthermore, 95.7% of the studies included participant quotations, but only 56.5% checked data saturation. Conclusion This study highlights the need for a more diverse methodological approach in dental hygiene research. Journalsshould also emphasize strict adherence to IRB guidelines and encourage the use of qualitative data analysis software to enhance the rigor of research. By strengthening the systematic foundation of qualitative research in dental hygiene, the field can better address clinical challenges and expand the understanding of dental hygienists’ work environments.

PURPOSE: The aims of this study were to compare serum procalcitonin (PCT) levels between febrile children with Kawasaki disease (KD) and those with bacterial or viral infections, and assess the clinical usefulness of PCT level in predicting KD. METHODS: Serum PCT levels were examined in febrile pediatric patients admitted between August 2013 and August 2014. The patients were divided into 3 groups as follows: 49 with KD, 111 with viral infections, and 24 with bacterial infections. RESULTS: The mean PCT level in the KD group was significantly lower than that in the bacterial infection group (0.82±1.73 ng/mL vs. 3.11±6.10 ng/mL, P=0.002) and insignificantly different from that in the viral infection group (0.23±0.34 ng/mL,P=0.457). The mean erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) level in the KD group were significantly higher than those in the viral and bacterial infection groups (P<0.001 and P<0.001 for ESR, P<0.001 and P=0.005 for CRP, respectively). The proportion of patients in the KD group with PCT levels of >1.0 ng/mL was significantly higher in the nonresponders to the initial intravenous immunoglobulin treatment than in the responders (36% vs. 8%, P=0.01). CONCLUSION: PCT levels may help to differentiate KD from bacterial infections. A combination of disease markers, including ESR, CRP, and PCT, may be useful for differentiating between KD and viral/bacterial infections.
Bacteria ; Bacterial Infections ; Blood Sedimentation ; C-Reactive Protein ; Calcitonin ; Child* ; Humans ; Immunoglobulins ; Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome*

No abstract available.
Vesico-Ureteral Reflux*

No abstract available.
Adenoma* ; Kidney*