• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.5 no.4
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• pp.155-163
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• 2005

The purpose of this exploratory study was to assess work performance of dental hygienists and identify factors influencing their work performance. A questionnaire was administered to 87 dental hygienists working dental clinics based in Ulsan during the period from June 2005 through July 2005. A total of 77 questionnaires were collected and used for analysis. SPSS 11.5 program was employed for statistical analysis. All data were expressed in terms of numbers, percentage and mean score. The results of the study are summarized as follows: 1. There was a significantly positive correlation between age and the level of work performance in the Scientific competency group and Esthetical competency group. 2. Unmarried dental hygienists demonstrated better work performance than married dental hygienists in Scientific, Esthetical and Personal competency groups, showing a statistically significant difference. 3. By education level, those with junior college degree had better work performance than those who are attending or graduated from college in the four groups. By workplace, those who were working at non-general hospitals demonstrated a higher level of performance in the three groups except the Ethical group, but the difference was not statistically significant. 4. A significantly positive relationship was observed between monthly pay and work performance in the Scientific, Personal and Esthetical competency groups. 5. A positive relationship was observed between work experience and performance in the Scientific competency group. But there was no difference between work experience and performance in the other three groups. 6. By working environment, those who were working with assistant nurses showed a higher level of performance than those working without assistant nurses in the Scientific competency group, and the difference was statistically significant.