| Sumario: | There is little published literature pertaining to motivating influences, experiences, and outcomes of baccalaureate degree education in dental hygiene. Since ther are various dental hygiene educational models in Canada, exploring the advancement of dental hygiene education is becoming an increasingly important subject. The purpose of this study was to explore the motivating influences for and experiences in dental hygiene baccalaureate degree-completion education in Canada, from the perspectives of diploma dental hygienists who had continued their education to the bachelor's degree level. This study employed a qualitative phenomenological design, using a maximum variation purposeful sampling strategy. Data generation occurred with sixteen dental hygienists across Canada through individual semi structured interviews. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded for data analysis, involving pattern recognition and thematic development. Emerging themes regarding motivating influences included: expanding career opportunities in dental hygiene, personal development and a desire for knowledge, remaining competitive, status and recognition, access to graduate education, and third person influences. Participants' experiences in degree completion programs included obtaining a broader education and being exposed to a wider scope of knowledge within and outside of dental hygiene theory. They also experienced a more independent learning environment, with a stronger focus on literature review and critical thinking, compared to their experiences in their dental hygiene diploma education. These results reveal important insights for those dental hygienists who may be considering additional dental hygiene education.
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