Oral Biol Res.  2021 Sep;45(3):135-142. 10.21851/obr.45.03.202109.135.

Awareness of national health insurance-covered dental care of adults in Jeju province

• Lee S
• Kim SJ
• Jo CW
• Woo J

• KMID: 2521026
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.21851/obr.45.03.202109.135

Abstract

Advancements in medical care resulted in increase of average longevity. In turn, people have become more concerned about health, oral health, and quality of life. Such change has led to need for systematic and prevention-oriented healthcare service. This study aimed to provide preliminary information on the level of familiarity with national health insurance (NHI) benefits by the general public in order to help make decisions regarding education and advertisement policies. 337 adults who visited Korea Association of Health Promotion health examination center in Jeju were given self-administered surveys regarding personal oral health status, familiarity with NHI-covered procedures, and personal interest in oral health, and the results were analyzed statistically. 83.4% answered 'Yes,' to awareness of NHI coverage of dental scaling. Most people answered 'Yes' to awareness of the fact that NHI-covered dental scaling begins at 19 years of age, while relatively few people were familiar with NHI-covered denture and dental implant procedures. According to this study, many respondents were still not familiar with the expanded NHI coverage. Especially the younger population lacked information on NHI-covered denture and dental implant, indicating need for public education and advertisements. In order to efficiently advertise and educate, joint effort by the government and medical facilities is recommended. Utilization of social media in addition to the more traditional mass media should be effective in conveying information to the younger population. Age-appropriate education for policy change and coverage expansion regarding NHI-covered denture and dental implant is also advised.

Keyword

Dental scaling; Denture; Dental implant; National health insurance