Loss of idealism or realistic optimism? A cross ‐sectional analysis of dental hygiene students’ and registered dental hygienists’ professional identity perceptions

ConclusionsThe fact that dental hygienists had less positive role perceptions than dental hygiene students might lead to the conclusion that a loss of idealism occurs over the course of a professional lifespan. However, dental hygienists actually improved their role perceptions over time and students’ future descriptions were more positive than their current descriptions, supporting the interpretation that realistic optimism dominates professional role perceptions in these times of change.

Source: International Journal of Dental Hygiene - May 1, 2017 Category: Dentistry Authors: JM Champine, MR Inglehart, D Furgeson, JF Halaris, M Fitzgerald, TE Danciu, JS Kinney Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research