Job Satisfaction and Self-perceived Value of Dental Hygienists in Israel

Objectives: The aim of the study was to describe the factors associated with job-satisfaction and self-perceived value among dental hygienists (DH). Methods: An e-mailed questionnaire was sent to all DH listed in the Israeli DH Association. Independent variables included demographic variables, years of experience, working hours, working sectors and preference to work in another occupation. The dependent variables were choosing again (as a proxy for job satisfaction) to be a DH (yes or no) and self-perceived value (in a 1-5 scale, where 1=always and 5=never). Analysis of association was conducted employing t-test, ANOVA and backward stepwise multiple logistic regression (p<0.05). Results: One hundred and eighty completed questionnaires were returned. Mean age was 36.3 years. DH work in 2.11 different working places, an average of 23.7 hours per week, 12.3 hours in the private sector. Almost 63% of DH report they are willing to add working hours as DH, mainly in the private sector. 38.5% work, additionally, in another occupation, with a mean of 7.08 hours weekly. Almost 66% of DH would again choose their profession. Mean number of working places was higher when DH reported the preference to choose their profession again. More than 75% of DH reported feeling mostly or always valuable among the dental community. Mean age, years of experience and number of working places were higher among DH who felt more valuable. After regression analysis, number of working places and working in the private sector were found to be significant predictors to DH job-satisfaction. Years of experience was the only significant predictor of self-perceived value. Conclusions: Fundamental changes have recently occurred in the Israeli dental services, including public services by DH. Fostering DH, especially in non-private sectors, is essential for succeeding in the implementation of the new legislation. Dentists and policymakers should consider the present survey results.