Examining the relationship between quality management specialists' individual innovation competencies and their attitudes toward change

This study aims to examine the relationship between the individual innovation competencies of quality management specialists working in oral and dental health centers (ODHC) and oral and dental health hospitals (ODHH) and their attitudes toward change. Studies evaluating the relationships between these two variables among quality management specialists working in healthcare institutions are limited. This study aims to address this gap in the literature and contribute to the field of healthcare management. The research was designed as a descriptive, cross-sectional study. The study population consisted of 357 quality management specialists working in ODHC and ODHH facilities across Türkiye, while the sample included 247 employees who voluntarily agreed to participate. Data were collected using a sociodemographic information form, the Individual Innovation Competencies Scale, and the Attitudes Toward Change Scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS 31.0 software package. Descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analyses were used in the analysis of the data. The results indicated that participants' innovation competencies were generally at a medium-to-high. Additionally, a significant and positive correlation was found between individual innovation competencies and positive attitudes toward change. The findings indicate that the success of quality management in oral and dental healthcare institutions is not solely dependent on systemic processes but is also closely related to employees' levels of innovative thinking and openness to change. Therefore, it is recommended that human resources policies be developed to support innovation and that motivation and training programs for employees be strengthened.