A Study of Student Support from the Standpoint of Student Enrollment in Dental Hygienist Training Programs―The Efficacy and Impact of Support Measures―

Abstract

 Abstract In our previous paper, we investigated the state of student enrollment at institutions specializing in the training and education of dental hygienists as part of the junior college curriculum, as well as the current situation with regard to student enrollment support. As a result, it was shown that a majority of students cited a shortage of credits due to poor performance as the primary reason for taking leave from their studies, with no major changes in the rate of leave-taking arising due to differences in either the year of study or the year surveyed. In addition, it was reported that the proportion of permanent withdrawal was highest in the first year of study, and that academic course changes were cited by a majority as the reason for withdrawal. In the present study, based on the findings of the previous paper, we considered the efficacy and impact of student enrollment support measures in relation to student leave-taking and withdrawal.

 Data were analyzed relating to the number of students who took leave or permanently withdrew from their studies at 11 junior colleges between the 2009 and 2012 academic years, taking into account enrollment support measures in place at each school. The relationship between rates of leave-taking and permanent withdrawal and the presence or absence of active support measures at each school was examined, and a statistical analysis was performed using the Fisher exact test.

 As a result, it was found that management of student affairs and specific learning support such as “ensuring familiarity with learning support systems” and “extra-curricular initiatives (such as make-up classes)” were somewhat effective for reducing leave-taking in the first and second year of study. Conversely, with regard to permanent withdrawal, it was found that “first-year educational implementation” in some cases prompted students to rethink their course of study, suggesting this was a potential factor serving to increase the rate of permanent withdrawal. In addition, it was found that “the utilization of health centers and similar facilities for mental health services” had the potential effect of lowering rates of student permanent withdrawal in the third and final year of study.