The effect of Dental Hygienists' Coaching Skills on the Practice of Dental Hygiene for the Elderly, Focusing on Their Empathy for the Elderly

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of coaching skills on the practice of dental hygiene for the elderly focusing on the mediation of empathy for the elderly and targeting dental hygienists in certain regions. Methods: This study was conducted with dental hygienists in certain areas of Gyeongnam, Gyeongbuk, and Busan. Results: As a result of the mediating effect of empathy for the elderly, the coaching skills of dental hygienists and the practice of dental hygiene for the elderly were found to be meaningful. Conclusions: The importance of dental hygienists' coaching skills, empathy for the elderly and the need for education were confirmed. When developing and applying a training manual for a dental hygienist system focusing on the elderly, a program with competency in each identified area is required.