This study developed a problem-based learning (PBL) module to improve integrated thinking and problem-solving ability in students of dental hygiene. After applying PBL, the study tested the improvement in the problem-solving ability and self-efficacy of students. The subjects were 31 fourth-year students of the Department of Dental Hygiene at G University. The PBL process was applied to three topics for 15 weeks, and the tools for evaluating problem-solving ability and self-efficacy were reconstructed and used before and after the application to examine the effects of the module. The result indicates that the mean of problem-solving ability (32 detailed items) increased from 3.37 to 3.65 (an increase of 0.28) after classes (p < 0.001). Alternatively, the average for self-efficacy (22 detailed questions) increased from 0.21 to 2.89 (p < 0.05; an increase of 2.67). The study also confirmed the correlation between problem-solving ability and the total posttest score for self-efficacy (p < 0.001). Thus, the problem-solving ability and self-efficacy of learners were improved in the class to which PBL was applied. These improvements exerted a significant effect on the improvement of problem-solving ability. This finding confirmed the effect of the PBL method on dental hygiene education.

Soo-Myoung Bae, Won-Gyun Chung, Jong-Hwa Jang, So-Jung Mun, Bo-Mi Shin, and Sun-Jung Shin. J Dent Hyg Sci 2017;17:193-201. https://doi.org/10.17135/jdhs.2017.17.3.193

This study was conducted using the Q methodology to categorize Korean older persons’ subjective perceptions of home visiting oral health care services. Various opinions regarding home visiting oral health care services were collected based on related literature, and by conducting in-depth interviews with 12 people. Thirty-two statements were finally selected, and Q classification was applied. Based on data analysis with the PC-QUANL program, six factors (seven types) were derived, which accounted for 49.6% of the total variance. By comprehensive analysis of the types of subjective perceptions of home visiting oral health care services, the following two characteristics were identified. Korean older persons were expected to promote their own oral health activities, or improved access to expert health care services, through the home visiting oral health care services. Additionally, they had a need for social, economic, emotional, and informational support. Therefore, home visiting dental personnel should be able to provide customized visiting oral health care services based on evaluation of the need and type of perception of older persons. Thus, it is essential for visiting dental personnel to be trained in the knowledge of social welfare, and to develop diverse competencies.

Sang-Hee Yoo, Soo-Myoung Bae, Bo-Mi Shin, and Sun-Jung Shin. J Dent Hyg Sci 2017;17:368-74. https://doi.org/10.17135/jdhs.2017.17.4.368

Ji-Hyoung Han, Kwui-Sook Song, and Sun-Jung Shin. J Dent Hyg Sci 2018;18:374-9. https://doi.org/10.17135/jdhs.2018.18.6.374