Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene (한국치위생학회지)

Korean Society of Dental Hygiene (한국치위생학회)
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The trend toward professionalization of American dental hygienists

미국 치과위생사의 전문직화 경향

  • Kim, Hyeong-Mi (Department of Dental Hygiene, Kangwon National University) ;
  • Park, Jeong-Ran (Department of Dental Hygiene, Baekseok University) ;
  • Kim, Chang-Hee (Department of Dental Hygiene, Chungcheong University) ;
  • Won, Young-Soon (Department of Dental Hygiene, Wonkwang Health Science University) ;
  • Sim, Seon-Ju (Department of Dental Hygiene, Baekseok University) ;
  • Lee, Sun-Mi (Department of Dental Hygiene, Dongnam Health University)
  • Received : 2021.09.06
  • Accepted : 2021.11.30
  • Published : 2021.12.30
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Abstract

Objectives: This study presents the basic data necessary to explore the methods used of Korean dental hygienists to resolve oral health inequalities in Korea via reviewing the professionalization trend of American dental hygienists. Methods: The supervision levels of American dental hygienists, and system of dental therapists were analyzed using the data published by the relevant associations. Results: In America, dental hygienists help address oral health inequalities. However, due to limitations in the supervision levels and scope of practice of dental hygienists, the autonomy of dental hygienists was expanded, and mid-level practitioner were employed. The autonomy for dental hygiene practice was higher in public than in private in America. Some states have introduced dental therapists as mid-level practitioners. Their practice settings have limitations such as serving low-income, uninsured, and underserved patients or serving in a dental health professional shortage area. Conclusions: It is necessary to expand the autonomy of dental hygienists based on their profession. In particular, it is suggested that they start with the low-risk level practices. Further, it is necessary to introduce a dental hygiene specialist system specialized for fields with high social demands.

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References

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