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- Original article The Uneven Playing Field: Provider Participation and Regional Disparities in Oral Health Examination Rates in South Korea
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Hye-Lim Hong1
, Nam-Hee Kim1
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Epidemiol Health 2025;e2025012
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2025012 [Accepted]
Published online: March 10, 2025
2Department of Dental Hygiene, Graduate School, Yonsei University, Wonju, Korea
3Department of Dental Hygiene, MIRAE Campus, Wonju, Korea
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Corresponding author:
Nam-Hee Kim,
Email: nami71@yonsei.ac.kr
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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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