Relationship between Career Identity and Career Preparation Behaviors in Dental Hygiene Students

Background: South Korea's exam-oriented education system often limits students' opportunities to explore career paths prior to university admission.This results in weak career identity, defined as the clarity with which individuals perceive their professional interests, abilities, and values.A lack of career identity can hinder career preparation behaviors, which involve sustained activities such as information gathering and career exploration.For dental hygiene students, expanding career opportunities have heightened interest in diverse fields, yet career preparation behaviors remain insufficient.The purpose of this study is to explore how career identity affects career preparation behaviors among dental hygiene students and to examine the connection between these two factors.Methods: A self-administered survey was conducted among 333 dental hygiene students enrolled in 3-or 4-year degree programs.Career identity and career preparation behaviors were assessed.Data analysis included frequency analysis, t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression to examine differences and relationships between variables.Results: The sample consisted predominantly of female students (97.6%).Major satisfaction differed by degree program type: 3-year degree program students most frequently reported "neutral" (55.6%), while 4-year degree program students predominantly selected "satisfied" (53.2%).High employment rates were the most common reason for choosing the major.Four-year degree students showed higher career identity and preparation behaviors than three-year degree students.Correlation analysis revealed a positive relationship, with higher career identity associated with increased career preparation behaviors.Conclusion: Career identity plays a significant role in fostering career preparation behaviors among dental hygiene students.These findings highlight the need for career guidance strategies and programs that strengthen career identity to enhance career readiness.Future research should explore subfactors and item-specific relationships to inform tailored interventions.