A recent Japanese study, published in BMC Medical Education, highlights the crucial factors that influence the professional identity of dental hygienists as they transition from students to healthcare professionals. The research underscores the importance of role models and clinical experiences in shaping this transition, while advocating for the creation of communities where dental hygienists can support, learn, and connect with one another.
The study emphasizes the role of educators in providing structured guidance during students’ education and calls for post-graduation peer-learning communities to promote professional development and job satisfaction. These initiatives are increasingly vital in light of Japan’s aging population, which has resulted in a growing demand for oral health services. However, this demand is being hindered by a significant turnover rate among dental hygienists.
“High turnover rates among dental hygienists have created a critical shortage in Japan,” the study reports, illustrating the urgency of addressing this issue.
Research Approach and Key Findings
The study adopted a case study methodology, following 10 final-year dental hygiene students as they reflected on their changing perceptions of the profession. Semi-structured interviews revealed that role models, clinical experiences, and interactions with other healthcare professionals significantly shaped the students’ sense of professional identity. Through thematic analysis, the researchers identified key components influencing identity formation and the factors that contribute to its development.
Challenges in Inter-professional Collaboration
A notable finding from the study is the sense of inferiority that many dental hygiene students feel in relation to other healthcare professionals, which inhibits their ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams. Although dental hygienists are expected to play pivotal roles in disease prevention, home care, and terminal care, some students struggled to recognize their value within the broader healthcare ecosystem.
To combat these feelings, the study emphasizes the need for dental hygienists to have better access to knowledge-sharing and collaboration opportunities. “Facilitating effective information exchange and fostering inter-professional communication are key to overcoming these feelings of inferiority and enhancing learning opportunities,” the study advises. Additionally, the collectivist culture prevalent in Japan is seen as contributing to these challenges, as the “we versus others” mindset can further restrict collaboration.
Challenges in Canada: A Shared Concern
Canada faces similar challenges concerning turnover and workplace satisfaction within the dental hygiene profession. The Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA) has raised concerns about a potential wave of turnover in the coming years. In its 2023 report, the association called for improvements in creating healthier, more respectful work environments for dental hygienists.
In its 2024 survey, the CDHA revealed that 39% of respondents had contemplated leaving their jobs due to mistreatment, and 22% had considered resigning because of physical discomfort, underlining the need for systemic changes to improve retention in the profession.
Both Japan and Canada must address these issues in order to retain and support dental hygienists, ultimately ensuring a stable and capable workforce that can meet the growing demand for oral healthcare services.
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