A national survey of oral hygienists in South Africa.

AIM

To survey the status and views of practicing hygienists in South Africa.

METHOD

A postal questionnaire was mailed to all registered hygienists in South Africa in 1999 (n = 853). Demographic variables; views on further study; conditions of employment; and issues hygienists' felt strongly about were explored. Two mailings resulted in a response rate of 51% (n = 439).

RESULTS

Respondents' age ranged from 20-52 years (mean 33 years); they were all female (n = 435) except two; 60.9% were in full time and 39.1% part time employment; 73% were employed in private practice, 13% in non-traditional settings and a small number in commerce; 92.7% wished to expand on their current qualification with part time and distance learning as the choice of study; 45.7% of the full time and 18% of the part time hygienists reported to have a contract of employment.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study show that South African hygienists envision an expanded role within the oral health team and wish to pursue their career beyond the two-year diploma in Oral Health/Oral Hygiene. The majority were not employed according to the BCEA in terms of benefits and the provision of a contract if employment.