Reflection and hope: the evolution of Korean Academy of Preventive Dentistry and Oral Health

A study on the oral health status of a school in the Philippines and the effectiveness of school-based dental clinics

Eon-Young Park , Ki-Soo Bae , Hee-Ja Na , Na-Yeon Kim , Se-Rim Jo

Abstract : Objectives: Children and adolescents have a high prevalence of dental caries, primarily due to negligent oral care, frequent snack intake, and inadequate attention to oral disease prevention. Therefore, ensuring oral care and preventing dental caries during this period is essential. Economic barriers, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like the Philippines, limit access to dental care, highlighting the need for national oral health programs. Methods: This study aimed to investigate the oral health status of children in selected areas of the Philippines and to generate basic data for effective oral health promotion programs. We compared the oral health statuses of enrolled and newly enrolled students in schools with school-based dental clinics. Results: The results indicated that the prevalence of caries and the average number of carious permanent teeth were lower in enrolled students than in new students. Conclusions: This finding suggests that school-based oral healthcare programs effectively improve children’s oral health and that introducing school-based dental clinics and establishing efficient systems are essential for improving oral health in low- and middle-income countries.

Applying research findings in practical settings

Comparative analysis of toothbrushing practices among multicultural adolescents and mono-cultural Korean adolescents: data from 19th Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey

Se-Hwan Jung

Abstract : Objectives: This study aimed to compare the toothbrushing practices of multicultural and monocultural Korean adolescents using data from the 19th (2023) Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Methods: Raw data were obtained from the Korean Disease Control and Prevention Agency. Adolescents were classified into multicultural (at least one parent born abroad) and monocultural (both parents born in Korea) groups based on their parents’ country of birth. The dependent variables were whether they brushed their teeth at least twice a day and whether they brushed their teeth after lunch. Sociodemographic factors included gender, school grade (age), subjective academic achievement, subjective household economic status, and residential area. Following the user’s guidebook, we analyzed toothbrushing practices according to multicultural characteristics using complex sample crosstabs and logistic regression analysis. Results: Multicultural adolescents had a lower prevalence of toothbrushing practices, with the rates of brushing at least twice a day being 7.1% lower and rates of brushing after lunch being 5.7% lower (P

Relationship between depression and stress and oral-health behavior among Koreans before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

Sun Rak Jeong

Abstract : Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the relationship between depression and stress and oral-health behavior among Koreans before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic to provide basic data for systematically managing oral health in future infectious disasters and for developing mental-health policies based on oral health. Methods: We used raw national health and nutrition research data for the years 2018-2021. The years 2018 and 2019 were classified as ‘the pre-pandemic period’ and 2020 and 2021 were classified as ‘the pandemic period.’ The pre-pandemic and pandemic groups included 16,102 and 14,449 individuals, respectively. We excluded individuals aged

Corrigendum: analysis of inequality trends in self-rated oral health and oral health-related quality of life of adults according to household income level using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Survey on the awareness of guardians and dental workers regarding the application of behavioral guidance techniques during dental treatment for pediatric patients

seung-hui Choi , Cheon-Hee Lee

Abstract : Objectives: The purpose is to establish positive relationships between pediatric patients, their guardians, and dental workers by investigating behavioral induction methods used in pediatric treatment and to encourage active cooperation during dental treatment of pediatric patients, leading to successful treatment. Methods: From March 2023 to September 2023, general hospitals, dental hospitals, and dental clinics were randomly selected and a survey was conducted on guardians of pediatric patients and dental workers, and a total of 154 copies were used in the final analysis. Results: The difference in perception of physical restraint as a behavioral induction method was that 49 people (65.3%) perceived that guardians could only allow physical methods that would not put them in dangerous situations, while dental workers could only accept physical methods that would not put them in dangerous situations. Only 41 people (51.9%) could allow it. Conclusions: In the clinic, a positive relationship must be maintained between dentists, patients, and guardians, and effective behavioral induction methods must be applied to maximize the efficiency of pediatric dental care.

Traumatic ulcer in patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder: a case report

Jo-Eun Park

Abstract : Traumatic ulcers are common oral mucosal lesions primarily caused by mechanical trauma, typically presenting as solitary lesions with low recurrence rates. However, when associated with psychiatric disorders, these ulcers can become extensive and multiple. This study details a case of multiple traumatic ulcers in a 25-year-old male patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder focusing on characteristics and treatment process. Three months prior the patient began biting his tongue due to itching, leading to severe ulcers from uncontrollable repeated biting. Histopathological examination excluded reactive lesions, infectious diseases, and malignancies, confirming the diagnosis of a traumatic ulcer. Treatment included systemic and topical corticosteroids, behavioral modification therapy, and oral appliance use. Despite a significant reduction in ulcer severity, poor compliance with oral appliances resulted in incomplete healing and recurrence. This case highlights the impact of psychiatric disorders on the development and exacerbation of traumatic ulcers, underscoring the importance of proper diagnosis and treatment by dental professionals.

Survey on the demand for an information and communication technology-based oral functional rehabilitation exercise system for older adults

Yong-Keum Choi , Ji-Hye Yun , Eun-Gyeong Cha , Hyun Lee , Hyang-Ah Park

Abstract : Objectives: With the rapid aging of the Korean population, interest in oral health is increasing among older adults. However, information and communication technology (ICT)-based programs for oral function rehabilitation exercises (OFRE), that are closely related to the systemic and cognitive health of older adults, are limited. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the applicability of ICT-based OFRE programs by identifying the demand from elder-care facility workers, who are the main providers, and to establish a basic plan for system development. Methods: This study was conducted using a Google Form questionnaire for approximately one month in September 2022 for workers at a day-and-night care center in Korea. Frequency analysis and chi-square tests were performed to identify the oral-health perceptions of center workers, and logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the need for ICT-based OFRE programs. Results: First, in patients undergoing oral function-related activities at the center, the need for OFRE was high, especially for mastication exercises (P

Analysis of traumatic dental injury experience and related factors among Korean adolescents: using the 19th (2023) Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey data

Se-Hwan Jung

Abstract : Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the association between traumatic dental injury (TDI) in the 12 months and related factors using the 19th (2023) Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey data. Methods: Raw data were obtained from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency website. The dependent variable was the experience of TDI in the past 12 months. The related factors were selected from various factors of demographic characteristics, psychosocial characteristics, injury and safety, and problematic behaviors. Complex sample cross-tabulation and logistic regression analyses were performed according to the data user guidebook. Results: In 2023, the prevalence of TDI among adolescents was 3.6%. Factors associated with TDI among adolescents included gender, school grade (age), sadness or hopeless, subjective academic achievement, hospital treatment because of injury at school, hospital treatment owing to violence, safety education at school, current drinking status, daily smoking, drug use experience, and vigorous physical activity. Conclusions: There was a significant association between the experience of TDI and various factors, such as demographic characteristics, psychosocial characteristics, injury and safety, and problematic behaviors, among adolescents. Therefore, this study should be further developed to derive effective intervention measures for TDI among Korean adolescents.