As our society undergoes rapid aging, the importance of individual retirement preparedness has grown significantly. In particular, dental hygienists face challenges in terms of job stability and access to systematic education and information regarding...
As our society undergoes rapid aging, the importance of individual retirement preparedness has grown significantly. In particular, dental hygienists face challenges in terms of job stability and access to systematic education and information regarding retirement preparedness due to the nature of their profession. To adapt to an aging society, policies supporting dental hygienists in actively participating in retirement planning are essential. The purpose of this study was to analyze the perceptions and behaviors of dental hygienists regarding retirement preparedness and to identify related factors, thereby providing fundamental data for the development of policies related to retirement planning for healthcare professionals and younger populations.
This study conducted an online survey targeting 233 dental hygienists working in dental clinics from July to September 2024. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS (IBM SPSS Statistics 28.0, USA), employing frequency analysis, descriptive statistics, Cronbach's α reliability tests, T-tests, one-way ANOVA, and Scheffé post-hoc tests. The findings of the study are as follows.
1. Among the general characteristics of the participants, 89.3% were female, with 38.2% in the age group of 25-30 years. In terms of marital status, 75.5% were unmarried, and 85.0% had no children. The most common length of employment was 5-9 years 44.6%, and the highest level of education for 55.8% was an associate degree. Among workplaces, 46.8%
were dental clinics, and 94.0% were in regular employment. In terms of residence, 44.6% lived in metropolitan areas, and 35.6% had a monthly income between 2.5 million and 3 million KRW.
2. The overall average score for awareness of retirement preparedness was 3.55, with the economic aspect scoring the highest at 3.66 and the social aspect scoring the lowest at 3.39.
3. The overall average score for retirement preparedness behavior was 2.91, with physical preparedness behavior scoring the highest at 3.21 and social preparedness behavior scoring the lowest at 2.75.
4. Retirement preparedness awareness, based on general characteristics, showed significant differences according to gender, age, marital status, and the number of children. Males had higher scores in physical and emotional aspects (p<0.01), and older individuals showed increased scores in economic and physical aspects (p<0.01). Married individuals scored higher in the economic aspect compared to unmarried individuals (p<0.01). Those with three or more children had the highest scores, with 4.50 in the physical aspect and 4.75 in the emotional aspect.
5. Significant differences in retirement preparedness behavior were identified based on gender, marital status, and the number of children. Men showed higher awareness in economic, social, physical, and emotional preparedness compared to women (p<0.01). Notably, in economic preparedness, men scored 3.19, while women scored 2.77, indicating a significant difference. Those with three or more children scored the highest in emotional preparedness, with a score of 3.67, showing a trend where emotional preparedness awareness increased as the number of children increased (p<0.01).
6. Retirement preparedness awareness based on work characteristics showed significant differences depending on workplace, residential area, and income level (p<0.01). Notably, individuals working in public health centers or other similar environments and those in high-income groups demonstrated higher awareness across all areas of preparedness, highlighting that health and financial stability are crucial factors in retirement planning.
7. Retirement preparedness behavior based on work characteristics showed significant differences in workplace, residential area, and monthly average income (p<0.01). Groups working in public health centers or similar environments scored the highest in physical preparedness (3.67) and emotional preparedness (3.78), suggesting that the work environment can
influence retirement preparedness. In contrast, employment type, work experience, and education level had little impact on retirement preparedness behavior. By region, residents of Jeolla and Jeju scored relatively higher in economic and social preparedness. Additionally, higher monthly income was associated with greater interest in economic and emotional preparedness awareness.
8. Factors influencing retirement preparedness awareness included gender, age, and income. Women and individuals aged 40 and older had higher retirement preparedness awareness, while those with a monthly income
between 2.5 million and 3 million KRW showed lower awareness.
9. Factors influencing retirement preparedness behavior included gender and income. Women showed lower retirement preparedness behavior, while those with a monthly income between 3.5 million and 4 million KRW exhibited higher levels of preparedness behavior.
As seen from the results, the score for retirement preparation behavior among dental hygienists is lower compared to their awareness of retirement preparation. Additionally, there are differences in awareness and behavior regarding retirement preparation according to demographic characteristics. Specific social support and policy measures tailored to the characteristics of each occupational group are needed to help individuals recognize the necessity of retirement preparation and take practical retirement preparation actions. This
study is expected to serve as important data for this purpose.