Abstract
Objectives. We measured the factors affecting job satisfaction of dental auxiliaries to understand how to improve their working conditions. Methods. We evaluated satisfaction levels of dental auxiliaries in dental service institutes in Jeonju and Iksan, Jeollabuk-do, Korea. Results. Job satisfaction varied depending on socio-demographic features. Auxiliaries that were older, more educated, married, and high income earners showed higher satisfaction. Management components of the job also increased job satisfaction. The communication and compensation system showed the highest correlation, a 0.637 Pearson correlation coefficient. Operations improved when employees had manuals for the job; when they were given responsibilities; when they had more social gatherings on a regular basis; when they had incentive programs; and when they had opportunities for education or professional development. Satisfaction with management communication improved when complaints were resolved smoothly; when the opinions of dental auxiliaries were trusted by dentists; and with better communication between dentists and their auxiliaries. Conclusions. The compensation system was least satisfactory of the 6 constituent factors, indicating that increased wages and incentives are needed to promote job satisfaction. Improving other management factors such as communications can also increase the job satisfaction.