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

Disparities in dental healthcare utilization based on regional characteristics in Korea

Yong-Jin Lee , Youn-Hee Choi

Abstract : Objectives: This study aimed to analyze dental healthcare resources and utilization patterns according to regional characteristics in Korea and to compare disparities in unmet dental care need rates and subjective oral health status. Methods: Dental healthcare resources and utilization patterns were analyzed using data from the National Health Insurance Statistics (NHIS) and the Population and Housing Census (2022). Descriptive statistics were performed on the distribution of dental healthcare resources, such as dental institutions, dentists, and dental hygienists per 100,000 people. Inflow and outflow indices for healthcare utilization were calculated using the number of days of inpatient and outpatient visits for oral diseases. In addition, the association between the type of local governance and unmet oral healthcare needs, as well as subjective oral health status, was analyzed using the chi-square test with the Community Health Survey (2022) data. Results: The number of dental institutions, dentists, and dental hygienists (per 100,000 people) in rural areas (such as “Urban and rural complex - si,” “Gun,” and “Gun with an established public health clinic”) was lower than in urban areas (such as a “[Special] metropolitan city”). The inflow and outflow indices for healthcare utilization by oral disease indicated higher outflows of patients to metropolitan areas. Furthermore, the chi-square analysis revealed that, for the “Gun with an established public health clinic,” more respondents reported unmet dental care needs and poor subjective oral health status (P

Association between oral function and physical activity performance in older adults: a cross‑sectional study

Jeong-Eun Kim , Keun-Bae Song , Youn-Hee Choi

Abstract : Objectives: Given the rapid population aging in Korea, it is becoming more important for the elderly to live healthy and be active independently. A two-way relationship exists between oral function and physical activity performance: if oral function worsens, it reduces the independence of older adults by making it difficult to perform certain activities or limiting access to social activities. Therefore, this study aimed to identify oral functions that hinder performing physical activities in older adults and prevent these limitations. Methods: Older adults aged ≥60 years who participated in the Korean Social Life, Health, and Aging Project were recruited (n=1,078). Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association between oral function and physical activity performance. Results: The elders having difficult mastication or xerostomia were likely to have decreased physical function (P=0.001 and P=0.005, respectively). All component factors of oral funtion were positively associated with physical activities. Older adults with hard mastication and complete dentures had decreased ability to perform independent activities of daily living (P=0.033 and P

Initiating discourse on essential oral healthcare

Community-based visiting healthcare personnels’ capacity in elderly oral health care and the effectiveness of group oral health education: a pilot study

Ji-A Park , Sol Han , Yoo-Young Lee , Bo-Hyoung Jin

Abstract : Objectives: This study is an effectiveness evaluation study of an oral health education program conducted on 30 visiting nurses who participated in the “CHAT-DONG” project in a district of Seoul, Korea. The primary objective of this study is to obtain basic data for the development of an oral healthcare education program for visiting nurses. Methods: To evaluate the effectiveness of the educational program comprising lecture and small group practice training, oral health knowledge, beliefs, awareness, self-efficacy, and oral health status assessment capabilities were assessed before and after the training, using Google online surveys. Finally, data from 22 participants were used for analysis. Results: Overall oral health knowledge improved after the training, however, specific oral disease knowledge was low. There were no significant changes in oral health beliefs and awareness, but there was a significant increase in self-efficacy. The ability to assess oral health status improved a little, however, the ability to express specific oral health conditions was low. This may be owing to the limitations of a one-time training and the inexperience and unfamiliarity of the participants. The participating nurses were highly satisfied with the training program and expressed a strong desire for regular and ongoing training. Conclusions: This study highlights the necessity for systematic and sustained training programs for healthcare personnel, including visiting nurses, to provide effective oral healthcare to older adults. Furthermore, the development of such training programs should consider the demographic characteristics of the target population and their level of prior knowledge and experience when designing, implementing, and evaluating training programs.

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

Systemic health factors affecting the dental status of Korean patients with dementia: a comprehensive analysis

Se Hoon Kahm , Je-Uk Park

Abstract : Objectives: Alzheimer’s disease, a pervasive neurodegenerative disorder with global implications, links oral health conditions, such as edentulism and periodontitis, to cognitive impairment. This study aimed to objectively assess the oral health of 1,456 patients with dementia using panoramic imaging and explore potential associations between general health and anthropometric measurements. Methods: Patients’ panoramic images documented at Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital and Eunpyeong St. Mary’s Hospital during 2011-2020 were retrospectively scrutinized for oral health parameters. Data on general health, anthropometrics, and body mass index (BMI) were collected. The patients were categorized according to their remaining teeth, dental caries, presence of periodontitis, and BMI. Results: The average age was 74.20 years, and the average teeth number was 20.67. Significant differences in dental caries and periodontitis rates were observed across BMI categories. Younger age and female sex correlated with improved oral health. The underweight BMI group exhibited higher caries rates, whereas the average BMI group showed favorable outcomes for both caries and periodontitis. Conclusions: Comprehensive analysis including panoramic imaging revealed notable associations between oral health and BMI in patients with dementia, emphasizing the importance of regular dental checkups. This study underscores the potential links between oral health and systemic conditions in dementia, necessitating further research to elucidate causal relationships and mechanisms.

Dental service satisfaction at dental hospital certified as healthcare accreditation

Ji-Eun Jung , Choong-Ho Choi

Abstract : Objectives: This study investigated the factors influencing patient satisfaction at healthcare-accredited dental hospital, thereby providing foundational data to enhance the quality of dental healthcare services. Methods: Data were collected through a structured self-administered survey of 200 patients who visited a healthcare-accredited dental hospital in Gwangju metropolitan city from August 1 to August 31, 2023. After excluding seven responses with insincere answers, 193 responses were used for analysis. The survey consisted of 36 questions: 9 on sociodemographic characteristics, 20 on quality of medical services, 4 on awareness of healthcare accreditation, and 3 on overall satisfaction with dental services. Analysis methods included t-tests, one-way ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis. Results: According to SERVQUAL, factors influencing healthcare service satisfaction were “tangibles” (β=0.318, P

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.

Factors associated with severe tooth loss in Korean adults

Jong-Im Choi , Hyun-Jeong Ju , Hyo-Won Oh , Heung-Soo Lee

Abstract : Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify factors related to severe tooth loss among sociodemographic, oral health behavior, and systemic disease factors. Methods: This study used raw data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2016-2018), which included 13,199 adults aged ≥19 years. The severe tooth loss was defined as a group with more than a third quartile (top 1/4) of the total number of tooth loss. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the correlations. Results: Sociodemographic factors had a were more factors significantly correlated on severe tooth loss than oral health behavior-related and systemic disease-related factors. Among the assessed sociodemographic factors, age, resident area, household income, education level, and household type were correlated with severe tooth loss, with education level having the greatest impact. Among the oral health behavior-related factors, smoking had the greatest impact on severe tooth loss; tooth brushing frequency was also an important factor. Among the systemic disease-related factors, only diabetes incidence was associated with severe tooth loss. Conclusions: Promoting smoking cessation, proper tooth brushing, and diabetes management could reduce severe tooth loss. Moreover, sociodemographic factors should be taken into account while planning oral health promotion projects.