The Effects of Dental Hygiene Students' Problem Solving Ability and Elderly Related Education Experience on Empathy for the Elderly

Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the effect of senior-related education experience and problem-solving ability on the ability of dental hygiene students to empathize with the elderly. Methods: This study surveyed students attending dental hygiene departments in some areas of Daegu, Busan, and Ulsan Metropolitan City in Korea. Results: Education experience related to the elderly and the sub-factors of problem-solving ability affected empathy for the elderly among dental hygiene students. Divergent thinking (p<0.001), information collection (p<0.001), execution and risk taking (p<0.001), oral education experience with the elderly (p<0.01), and problem. Conclusions: Effective oral care for the elderly, problem-solving skills, and educational programs related to the elderly will be needed to increase empathy for the elderly among dental hygiene students.