SWOT analysis of the dental hygiene profession in Pakistan-past, present, and future.

Background: Pakistan faces a significant burden of oral diseases, which can be effectively reduced through preventive measures. Dentistry in Pakistan predominantly focuses on corrective dental procedures, increasing the treatment costs and widens disparities in oral healthcare access. To address this gap and meet the country's oral health needs, Aga Khan University initiated a Dental Hygiene program aimed to expand and diversify the oral health workforce and improving access to quality care in various healthcare settings. Due to limited awareness of this profession in the country, the program encounters significant challenges.

Aim: This article aims to present a SWOT analysis of the Dental Hygiene profession in Pakistan and propose evidence-based strategic changes to address these challenges and improve future outcomes.

Methods: A SWOT analysis was conducted to identify the internal strengths, weaknesses, external opportunities, and threats related to the Dental Hygiene profession, gathering both quantitative and qualitative data through a survey of relevant stakeholders (Consultants, Dental hygiene graduates, dental auxiliaries, fresh dental graduates, and prospective students) using Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap).

Results: A total of 267 respondents participated in the survey, providing insights into the current state of the Dental Hygiene profession.

Conclusion: The analysis reveals that the Dental Hygiene profession in Pakistan requires robust advocacy, increased collaboration with dentists, opportunities for higher education, and the establishment of proper legislative frameworks to prevent professional transgression beyond the scope of practice.