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The Uneven Playing Field: Provider Participation and Regional Disparities in Oral Health Examination Rates in South Korea
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Hye-Lim Hong, Nam-Hee Kim
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Epidemiol Health. 2025;e2025012. Published online March 10, 2025
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2025012
[Accepted]
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 Abstract
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES
This study investigated regional disparities in adult oral health examination rates in South Korea, despite free oral health screenings by the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS). It focused on the impact of provider factors, such as the availability of dental clinics and non-dental institutions.
METHODS A cross-sectional analysis of 2022 data from 229 districts was conducted. The dependent variable was the adult oral health examination rate, while independent variables included provider factors, community health status, lifestyle, demographic, and socioeconomic characteristics. Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and multiple regression analyses identified significant predictors.
RESULTS Non-metropolitan areas had higher oral health examination rates (27.4%) than metropolitan areas (25.3%). Correlation analysis showed the general health examination rate (r=0.583) and the number of screening institutions (r=0.234) were the strongest predictors (p<0.001). Regression analysis showed a 1% increase in general health examination rates led to a 1.44% rise in oral health examination rates (p<0.001).
CONCLUSIONS Despite NHIS policies, significant regional disparities persist, showing that providing screenings alone is insufficient. Integrating oral health screenings with general health examinations is necessary. Policymakers must promote collaboration between dental and non-dental providers to ensure equitable, integrated health services, enhancing preventive care and reducing disparities.
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Summary
Korean summary
이 연구는 전국 229개 시군구의 성인 구강검진 수검률을 분석하여 지역 간 격차가 크다는 점을 확인하였다. 해결방안으로 구강검진을 일반건강검진과 통합하고, 비치과 기관의 참여를 확대하는 것이 지역 접근성 및 형평성 개선에 효과적인 전략으로 제시하였다.
Key Message
This study analyzed adult oral health examination rates across 229 districts in Korea and confirmed the existence of substantial regional disparities. Integrating oral health screenings into general health check-ups and expanding the participation of non- dental institutions were proposed as effective strategies for improving regional accessibility and equity.
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