Abstract
Objectives : This study was intended to examine job satisfaction in dental hygienists working in the Gwangju Jeonnam area and provide basic materials for the efficient management of dental clinics and the improvement of working conditions in dental hygienists. Methods : In order to achieve this purpose, the questionnaire survey was conducted from August 13 to October 6, 2007. Of a total of 394 questionnaires, 34 was excluded because of poor responses and finally 360(Gwangju 296, Jeonnam 64) were analyzed. Results : For job satisfaction associated with the total career and turnover, satisfaction was increased with the total career. Job satisfaction associated with working conditions became higher as a monthly mean paycheck was increased or when an incentive, in the annual pay system and long-service men preference was provided(p<0.05). Job satisfaction was 3.26. The highest satisfaction at detailed factors was found in patient relation(3.85), colleague relation(3.40), prospects(3.26), dentistry organization(3.17), autonomy(3.10), and pay(2.78). For detailed factors of job satisfaction, the most influential factor was monthly mean paycheck, followed by incentive, age and marriage(p<0.05). Conclusions : When dental hygienists' working environment is planned and improved in the rational and desirable direction, their job satisfaction will be improved. As a result, it will contribute to a decrease in the jobless rate and an increase in the productivity of oral care and the efficiency of hospital management.
