J Dent Hyg Sci.  2016 Dec;16(6):442-448. 10.17135/jdhs.2016.16.6.442.

Awareness and Need as Factors in an Incremental Oral Health Care Program for Korean Adults

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Konyang University Hospital, Daejeon 35365, Korea.
  • 2Department of Dental Hygiene, Collage of Medical Science, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Korea. denthwang@konyang.ac.kr

Abstract

Dental caries and periodontal disease are considered to be chronic, but can be prevented through an incremental oral health program covering all ages. The National Oral Health Program for adults provides oral health exam and scaling, and is covered by national health insurance for those over 20 years of age in Korea. The aim of this study was to collect basic data for developing an oral health program for adults by identifying factors related to awareness and need. The data were obtained by convenience sampling of 303 subjects. The use of dental plaque disclosing agents affected tooth brushing frequency, toothbrushing time and use of oral auxiliary devices. Education on toothbrushing methods affected toothbrushing time and use of oral auxiliary devices. Of those surveyed, 93.1% replied that an incremental oral health program for adults was needed, and 68.0% intended to participate. In a regression model, the factors that had an effect on the perceived need for an oral health program were education level, use of oral hygiene auxiliary devices, and toothbrushing time, and the factors affecting intent to participate were education for prevention of periodontal disease and the use of oral hygiene auxiliary devices. The subjects stated that the following oral health programs were needed: an oral bacteria exam (74.3%), toothbrushing education (71.6%), a bad breath exam (69.3%), education on use of oral hygiene auxiliary devices (46.9%), a dental plaque exam (42.9%) and a saliva exam (37.6%). Oral health education appears to be an important factor for participation in an incremental oral health program.

Keyword

Awareness; Oral health; Prevention and control; Program development

MeSH Terms

Adult*
Bacteria
Dental Caries
Dental Plaque
Education
Humans
Korea
National Health Programs
Oral Health*
Oral Hygiene
Periodontal Diseases
Program Development
Saliva
Tooth
Toothbrushing
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