Perceptions of and Educational Need for Digital Dentistry Convergence Education Among Dental Hygiene and Dental Technology Students in South Korea

The increasing recognition of interprofessional education in dentistry has further stimulated interest in digital dentistry-based convergence education as a means of fostering collaboration and enhancing clinical competence. Therefore, this study aimed to examine perceptions, experiences, perceived necessity, and educational needs regarding digital dentistry convergence education among undergraduate students majoring in dental hygiene and dental technology in South Korea. A total of 464 valid responses were collected through a structured questionnaire and analyzed for general characteristics, perceptions of convergence education, prior learning experience, perceived necessity, and preferred curriculum areas. Frequency analysis, chi-squared tests, and correlation analyses were applied. The participants’ direct experience with convergence education was limited, but more than 90% of the respondents recognized its necessity. Dental hygiene students most frequently preferred convergence with dental technology, while dental technology students preferred convergence with dental hygiene. Both groups prioritized clinical and basic courses as areas for convergence education and expected improvements in job-related knowledge as the primary educational outcome. Dental hygiene and dental technology students strongly acknowledged the importance of digital dentistry convergence education and interdisciplinary collaboration. These findings support the development of learner-centered convergence curricula and highlight the need to establish feasible educational models through curriculum innovation.