Objective: This study aimed to quantitatively confirm the effects of dental specialists’ work and stretching on musculoskeletal pain. Methods: The pain pressure threshold was divided into five parts (neck, shoulder, trunk, lower back, and hand/arm) of the upper body and measured at 15 muscle trigger points. The pain pressure threshold before and after work was measured, and 30 min of stretching and rest were stipulated as an intervention. Results: The pain pressure thresholds reduced significantly in all muscles after work (P < .05). In the stretching group, the pain pressure thresholds increased significantly in all muscles (P < .05). In particular, the iliocostalis lumborum (lower back), rhomboid (trunk), transverse carpal ligament (hand/arm), levator scapulae-superior angle (neck), and upper trapezius (shoulder) muscles showed the greatest decrease in pain pressure threshold after work and the greatest increase after stretching. Conclusions: Stretching helps immediately relieve musculoskeletal pain in dental professionals and can prevent and manage work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical practice experience and environment of dental hygiene students, and to determine how these factors relate to their dental hygiene professionalism. The aim was to provide data necessary to improve the clinical practice environment and promote professionalism in dental hygiene. Methods: A survey was conducted in August 2023 among dental hygiene students from five randomly selected universities in the metropolitan area. Data analysis methods included t-test, ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation coefficients, and stepwise multiple regression. Results: The main influencing factors of dental hygiene professionalism were the quality of instruction in the clinical practice, opportunities for learning, preparedness for students, and satisfaction with the practice institution (p<0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between the clinical practice environment and all sub-items of dental hygiene professionalism (p<0.05). Conclusions: The results of this study emphasize that the choice of practice institution is very important to enhance dental hygiene professionalism, and close collaboration between universities and practice institutions is highlighted to improve the quality of clinical practice guidance and opportunities for participation.

Objectives: This study aimed to explore the relationship between resilience and turnover intention among new dental hygienists and to identify its key influencing factors. Methods: This study included 285 dental hygienists who had been employed for <24 months at dental clinics. Data were collected through self-report surveys using the Korean version of the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale and a modified turnover intention scale. The statistical analyses included t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson’s correlation for variable comparisons. Stepwise multiple regression was conducted to identify the factors influencing turnover intention. Results: The average resilience score was 3.47, with “support” scoring the highest (3.86). Turnover intention was found to be significantly associated with workplace satisfaction (β=-0.277), age (β=0.240), assignment to the desired department (β=0.237), support from others (β=0.185), and optimism (β=-0.168). The regression model explained 31.1% of the variance (R²=0.311; p<0.001). Conclusions: The findings suggest that improving workplace satisfaction, fostering optimism, and enhancing organizational support can effectively reduce turnover intention among new dental hygienists. Therefore, these strategies are critical for stabilizing the dental workforce and ensuring quality care delivery.

Eun-Deok Jo. J Dent Hyg Sci 2024;24:97-106. https://doi.org/10.17135/jdhs.2024.24.2.97