Abstract
This study aimed to examine role recognition in various occupations involved in oral care. A questionnaire survey targeting 107 dentists, 85 dental hygienists, 113 speech therapists, 218 nurses, and 106 certified health care workers was conducted in Fukuoka Prefecture. A role recognition questionnaire comprising 21 items related to oral care was developed by the researchers. The questionnaire contained items on the degree of recognition regarding which occupation should implement each of the items related to oral care. Responses
were rated on a three-point scale. As a result of comparing role recognition between occupations, significant differences were observed between dental specialists and other occupations in terms of cleaning (using a floss or interdental brush), plaque or tartar removal, fluorine application, cosmetic oral care, and oral examination. Certified health care workers tended to have significantly lower swallowing and language training than other people of other occupations. If occupations other than dental staff carry out oral cleaning and oral examinations using floss and interdental brushes, periodontal diseases can be prevented and abnormalities in the oral cavity can be detected early. Furthermore, the results suggest that the performances of nurses' and certified health care workers' swallowing and language training will allow for continuous training in occupational collaboration and contribute to healthy life expectancy.
