The working practices and job satisfaction of dental hygienists in New Zealand.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the current working practices and level of job satisfaction of dental hygienists in New Zealand.


METHODS
Postal survey of all dental hygienists on the New Zealand Dental Council's database. An initial mailing was followed by a 3-week follow-up. Information was sought on respondents' demographic characteristics, current occupation and working practice, history of career breaks, continuing education and career satisfaction.


RESULTS
213 responses were received (73.2%); 90.6% were currently working as hygienists, mostly in private practice. Many worked part time, particularly those with children. Almost 50% of respondents had taken at least one career break, most frequently for childrearing. The mean time taken in career breaks was 3.6 years. Overall, dental hygienists reported high levels of satisfaction with their careers and their income. Older hygienists had higher career satisfaction scores. Most respondents were actively involved in continuing education. Almost half were interested in expanding the range of procedures they perform. Over one-third plan to retire within the next 10 years.


CONCLUSIONS
While many hygienists take career breaks and work part time, most have a high level of career satisfaction, actively participate in continuing education, and are satisfied with their remuneration.
Ayers
Kathryn
K
Department of Oral Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, PO Box 647, Dunedin, New Zealand. katie.ayers@mac.com
Meldrum
Alison M
AM
Thomson
W Murray
WM
Newton
J Timothy
JT
D000328:Adult; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003756:Dental Hygienists / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004498:Education, Dental, Continuing; D004651:Employment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009520:New Zealand; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires