The impact of dental hygienists’ ethical awareness on job values and job satisfaction

Objectives: To determine the impact of ethical perceptions on work values ​​and job satisfaction in dental hygienists working in dental clinics. Methods: This study collected 201 self-administered questionnaires from dental hygienists engaged in clinical practice from March 6, 2024, to May 31, 2024. Analysis was performed using the SPSS statistical analysis program. Results: Our analysis revealed a positive correlation between the ethical perceptions of dental hygienists, job satisfaction, and work value (r=0.530, r=0.457, p<0.001). Intrinsic value, a sub-area of ​​job satisfaction and work value, significantly affected the ethical perceptions of dental hygienists (adj. R2=0.389, p<0.001). Conclusions: Ethical perceptions are a major variable that affect work value ​​and job satisfaction. Therefore, ethical perceptions should be established through systematic education.