Clinical Leadership Experience of Dental Hygienists Participating in Preventaion based Incremental Oral Health Care Project: Applying Focus Group Interviews

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to specifically identify and explore the clinical leadership experience of clinical dental hygienists. Methods: The study subjects were 5 dental hygienists who participated in a prevention-based incremental oral health care program operated by some dental clinics. Focus group interviews were conducted with the study subjects; all the content from the interviews was recorded and transcribed, and a qualitative analysis was conducted based on thematic analysis. Results: The clinical leadership experienced by them was shown as skills and competencies to lead the organizational change of the dental team and the patient’s health change, and to take the lead in the management and operation of dental clinics. They recognized that leadership can be better demonstrated when dental hygienists have work competencies, effective communication, and professional confidence, but it is difficult to demonstrate leadership qualities when experiencing work environments such as hierarchical peer relationships, excessive treatment, and emotional labor. Conclusions: The leadership competencies of dental hygienists can be a basis for explaining the role model of dental hygienists in the field of primary health care and dental care. Therefore, follow-up studies on the leadership behaviors used by dental hygienists need to be conducted, and the leadership capabilities of dental hygienists and dental hygiene students need to be developed and applied.