Working practices and job satisfaction of Victorian dental hygienists

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Increasing demand for dental services and a projected shortage in the oral health workforce in Victoria has focused attention on dental hygienists as one mechanism for increasing the supply of dental services. Understanding the dental hygienist workforce is essential in order to plan effectively for the future delivery of dental services in Victoria. METHODS: A postal survey of a random sample of Victorian dental hygienists was undertaken in 2006. Data on hygienists' demographic characteristics, current dental practice, history of career breaks, aspects of clinical practice and job satisfaction were collected. RESULTS: A response rate of 77 per cent was achieved. A total of 94.0 ..