Perceptions of Visiting Oral Health Service Providers: Using the Q Method and Focusing on Suggestions for the Role of Dental Hygienists in a Community.

Objective: This study aimed to identify the types and characteristics of providers' (dental hygienists and caregivers) perceptions of visiting oral health care services and explore the contents of visiting oral health care services and the social role of dental hygienists in promoting the health of older adults in the upcoming post-aged society.

Methods: This study was conducted using the Q method. The Q sample utilised the same 32 statements selected by Lee et al. (2021), who analysed the perceptions of Korean older adults on home-visiting oral health care services. The P sample was randomly selected and included 16 dental hygienists and 16 caregivers who provide oral hygiene care for older adults in the community. The 32 participants were asked to rank the statements in the Q-set based on their level of agreement. The Q-sorted data were analysed using the PC-QUANL programme.

Results: A four-factor structure with five factor types was identified, explaining 50.9% of the variance. Analysis of provider perception types revealed differences regarding who should deliver oral health care to older adults-dental teams including dentists and hygienists or hygienists alone-and in service content and focus. However, most providers agreed that dental hygienists should accurately assess older adults' oral health needs and deliver appropriate care.

Conclusion: To promote the health of older adults in the future, dental hygienists should be recognised as essential providers in community-based care systems and supported by national policy to deliver accessible, collaborative and preventive services.