A Scoping Review of Dental Hygienists’ Practice in Korea: Thematic Classification and Identification of Core Themes

Background: This study aimed to identify core themes by reviewing the literature on dental hygienists' practice in Korea over the past decade and to characterize and synthesize patterns of professional practice.Methods: A scoping review was conducted in accordance with the Arksey and O'Malley framework.Thirty-five peer-reviewed articles published in Korean journals between 2015 and 2024 were selected and analyzed using content analysis.Results: The "validity of the legal and institutional scope of practice" emerged as the most prominent issue.A total of 76 subcategories were synthesized into six core themes.The findings indicate that dental hygienists in Korea perform a wide range of tasks beyond the legally defined scope of practice.However, institutional constraints and low social recognition limit their professional autonomy.These results suggest gaps in education, policy, and clinical practice.Conclusion: The roles of dental hygienists in Korea are expanding in response to evolving healthcare demands; however, structural limitations persist because of insufficient institutional support.Policy-level reforms are needed to enhance professional autonomy and ensure safe practice.Such reforms include clarifying the legal scope of practice and introducing specialty certification systems.