J Dent Hyg Sci.  2016 Oct;16(5):355-360. 10.17135/jdhs.2016.16.5.355.

Factors Related to the Unmet Dental Care Needs of Adults with Dental Pain

• Ahn E
• Shin MS

• KMID: 2360814
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.17135/jdhs.2016.16.5.355

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine unmet dental care needs and related factors among adults in Korea. The study included a nationally representative sample of Koreans (Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2104). The dependent variable was unmet dental care need and the independent variables were socioeconomic status and oral health status. The chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were performed to identify the associations between explanatory variables and unmet dental care needs. The major causes of unmet dental care needs included economic burden, work life, and academic reasons; in addition, dental treatment was considered to have lower priority. The factors that had statistically significant relationships with unmet dental care needs were sex, age, self-rated oral health status, and difficulty in mastication. The findings of the study, suggest a need for lower dental insurance copayments in keeping with the policies and principles aimed at strengthening the national health insurance system. In addition, groups with limited access to dental services should be identified, and effective health care policies and services should be established for these individuals.

Keyword

Experience of dental pain; Oral health status; Socioeconomic status; Unmet dental need

MeSH Terms

Adult*
Delivery of Health Care
Dental Care*
Humans
Insurance, Dental
Korea
Logistic Models
Mastication
National Health Programs
Nutrition Surveys
Oral Health
Social Class