This study aims to identify the factors affecting the major immersion of dental hygiene students, including their major selection motivation, career values, and major satisfaction. To this end, data were collected from 191 2nd to 4th-year dental hygiene students in the Seoul and Gyeonggi regions through a survey conducted from July 1 to September 27, 2023, and subsequently analyzed using IBM SPSS/21.0 software.
On a scale of 5 points, the average score for major selection motivation was 3.31, with sub-factors of individual motivation at 3.19 and social motivation at 3.46. Similarly, career values received a score of 4.15, with intrinsic values at 4.03 and extrinsic values at 4.24. The major satisfaction score was 3.74, with perceived satisfaction at 3.93, relationship satisfaction at 3.56, curriculum satisfaction at 3.66, general satisfaction at 3.67, and major immersion at 3.30. The factors influencing major immersion, in descending order, were general satisfaction (p<0.05), curric ulum satisfaction (p<0.001), and personal motivation (p<0.05). As a result of the study, it was found that personal motivation for major selection, specifically when students choose dental hygiene as their own major, and general satisfaction as well as curriculum satisfaction, among the major satisfaction, significantly influence major immersion. Therefore, it is important to respect students’ aptitude and preferences during major selection and develop and provide various career counseling and major adaptation programs that can enhance major satisfaction.