• Journal of Korean Dental Hygiene Science
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.151-160
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• 2023

Background: This study analyzed the differences in practice satisfaction, major, and willingness to work abroad among dental hygiene department students at K University in Gangwon-do based on their participation in international practicums. Methods: A survey was conducted on a total of 215 students through convenience sampling of dental hygiene students, and the final 214 responses were analyzed. General characteristics were examined. Major satisfaction and grades were measured on a 5-point Likert scale. And satisfaction with practice, intention to participate in international practicums, and employment were investigated by papers. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed on general characteristics using SPSS software (version 26.0). Due to the convenience sample, nonparametric analysis was used to determine satisfaction with practice and major according to general characteristics using the Mann-whitney U and Kruskal-wallis test. An independent samples t-test was conducted to determine the difference between practice satisfaction and major satisfaction depending on participation in international practicums, and Fisher's exact test was conducted to determine practice satisfaction, willingness to participate in overseas internships, and employment. Results: Concerning future participation in international clinical practicums, 66.7% of students who had previously participated in overseas training expressed willingness to engage again. 40.9% of those who had not participated showed no intention of participating, and there was a significant difference (p<0.05). Additionally, 76.2% of the participants expressed interest in overseas employment, with this difference also being statistically significant (p<0.05). Conclusion: It was confirmed that students' satisfaction with practice and major increased through participation in international practicums, and that they had a positive intention to work abroad and participate in overseas internship programs in the future.