Workforce re-entry for Japanese unemployed dental hygienists

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Workforce Research
• Dental Hygiene

Background:

• The dental hygiene workforce in Japan faces challenges with retaining professionals.
• Understanding the profile and motivations of unemployed dental hygienists is crucial for workforce planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify characteristics of unemployed dental hygienists in Japan.
• To determine factors influencing their potential return to the dental field.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire was mailed to 3095 licensed dental hygienists in Japan.
• A response rate of 50.4% (1477 participants) was achieved.

Main Results:

• 39.7% of respondents were unemployed dental hygienists.
• Only 31.9% of unemployed hygienists intended to return to work.
• Major barriers cited were skill deficits, child-rearing, and poor work atmosphere; flexibility and location were key facilitators.

Conclusions:

• A small proportion of unemployed dental hygienists wish to re-enter the workforce.
• Strategies to encourage re-entry should focus on flexible work environments, accessible information, and professional development support.