Effect of Dental Hygiene Students' Self-Esteem, Self-Directed Learning, and Sense of Belonging on their Satisfaction with Clinical Practice

Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the impact of several factors on dental hygiene students’ satisfaction with clinical practice. Methods: This study conducted via an online survey of 138 dental hygiene students from Gangwon, Gyeongnam, and Busan, South Korea, from October 31 to December 15, 2023. Results: The higher the self-esteem, the higher the self-directed learning ability, and the higher the self-directed learning ability, the higher the sense of belonging in clinical practice. The higher the sense of belonging in clinical practice, the higher the satisfaction with clinical practice. Factors influencing clinical practice satisfaction were found to be self-esteem and a sense of belonging to clinical practice. Conclusions: To increase satisfaction with practice, educational programs that improve self-esteem, increase self-directed learning opportunities, and cultivate a sense of belonging in clinical practice should be developed and utilized.