2023, Vol.23, No.3

Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene 2023 KCI Impact Factor : 0.8

pISSN : 2287-1705 / eISSN : 2288-2294
https://journal.kci.go.kr/jksdh

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to recognize the need for dental hygienists to receive radiation safety management training as dentists are required to receive radiation safety officer continuing education every two years. Methods: This study reviewed the current radiation safety officer training, identified the scope of radiation work performed by dental hygienists, and discussed the need for radiation safety management training with a focus on dental hygienists. Results: Through improved awareness and continuous education on radiation safety management, we will later consider patient exposure management and dose management for dental hygienists. Conclusions: It is necessary to establish a dental radiation safety culture that strives to reduce harm to patients undergoing imaging for dental care through radiation safety management education of dental hygienists who are radiation safety manager.

Using statistical data from the Korean Medical Dispute Mediation and Arbitration Agency, we summarized some dental cases to provide fundamental information for planning systematic treatment and delivering adequate explanation during patient counseling to avoid dental medical disputes. The current status of applications for dental medical dispute mediation is 246 cases (18.8%) in 2017, 277 cases (21.2%) in 2018, 307 cases (23.5%) in 2019, 235 cases (18.0%) in 2020, and 244 cases (18.6%) in 2021, with a 3.8% increase in disgrace compared with that shown in the previous year. Implants accounted for the highest percentage of dental medical disputes at 23.0%. The mediation initiated by dental medical practices was approximately 60% on average. Adjustment success rates of dental practices were 59.8% in 2017, 66.7% in 2018, 66.2% in 2019, 59.2% in 2020, and 67.8% in 2021; in addition, the adjustment success rate of periodontal treatment was the highest at 80.0%. Minimizing medical accidents should be a top priority to avoid medical disputes as much as possible; therefore, efforts are needed to build trust with patients.

Objectives: This study aimed to identify the operation status of dementia and oral care programs in day and night care centers across the country, degree of awareness of care workers, and demand for oral functional rehabilitation exercise (OFRE) programs. Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted targeting day and night care center workers regarding their general characteristics, awareness of dementia, the oral cavity, necessity of OFRE, and awareness of program utilization. Results: The perceptions of dementia and oral health among workers and the demand for OFRE education were confirmed. Conclusions: Developing and applying continuous worker education and OFRE programs to improve the oral health of the older adults in day and night care centers.