Analysis of Some Online Questions with High Frequency about Dental Treatment in Korea

Kang, A Reum; Go, Ye Eun; Kim, Ka Eun; Kim, Min Joo; Kim, Seon Jeong; Hwang, SooJeong

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The Internet has advantages in terms of accessibility and amount of information, and the search for health information over the Internet is increasing exponentially. The purpose of this study is to analyze the information generated about some dental treatment on the internet by year.
METHODS
Naver Knowledge (JisikIn in Korean) which is an interactive search service was selected as the first search site in Korea. Scaling, wisdom tooth extraction, and endodontic treatment that can be paid by Korean health insurance were selected. Finally, 4,729 questions about scaling, 23,963 wisdom teeth extraction questions and 17,733 endodontic treatment questions were extracted. The question contents, the information about the questioner and the answerer, and an error of answers were investigated. Frequency analysis was used and chi-square test was used if necessary.
RESULTS
The most frequently asked questions were discomfort and dissatisfaction after the treatment. The need for treatment was the second in questions of the wisdom tooth extraction and endodontic treatment, but the health insurance benefit was the second in dental scaling. Most of the questioners didn't disclose personal information. The public answered the most in 2013~2014, but the highest percentage of the respondents was experts in 2017. Responses were mostly personal experience, but showed a tendency to decrease with years, and professional knowledge showed an increasing tendency. The error of the answer has also gradually decreased.
CONCLUSION
Questions about dental care over the Internet are increasing exponentially, experts are responding increasingly, and errors in answers are decreasing. Nevertheless, it is necessary to pay attention to the related expert group to prevent misinformation.