Awareness and Need as Factors in an Incremental Oral Health Care Program for Korean Adults

Abstract

Dental caries and periodontal disease are considered to be chronic, but can be prevented through an incremental oral health program covering all ages. The National Oral Health Program for adults provides oral health exam and scaling, and is covered by national health insurance for those over 20 years of age in Korea. The aim of this study was to collect basic data for developing an oral health program for adults by identifying factors related to awareness and need. The data were obtained by convenience sampling of 303 subjects. The use of dental plaque disclosing agents affected tooth brushing frequency, toothbrushing time and use of oral auxiliary devices. Education on toothbrushing methods affected toothbrushing time and use of oral auxiliary devices. Of those surveyed, 93.1% replied that an incremental oral health program for adults was needed, and 68.0% intended to participate. In a regression model, the factors that had an effect on the perceived need for an oral health program were education level, use of oral hygiene auxiliary devices, and toothbrushing time, and the factors affecting intent to participate were education for prevention of periodontal disease and the use of oral hygiene auxiliary devices. The subjects stated that the following oral health programs were needed: an oral bacteria exam (74.3%), toothbrushing education (71.6%), a bad breath exam (69.3%), education on use of oral hygiene auxiliary devices (46.9%), a dental plaque exam (42.9%) and a saliva exam (37.6%). Oral health education appears to be an important factor for participation in an incremental oral health program.

Validity and Reliability of Professional Identity of Dental Hygienists

“…치과위생사의 수행 업무는 진료 보조에서 진료로 변경되었고 5,6) , 업무수행범위도 구강위생 에 관한 보조업무 7) 에서 치아 및 구강질환의 예방과 위생 관 리 8) 로 점차 확대되었다. 치과위생사의 전문성 확보를 위한 활동들과 더불어 국민들이 구강질환예방에 대한 중요성을 인식하면서 9) 치과위생사의 직업적 역할은 보조자 역할에서 전문가 역할로 변화하고 있다 10) . 전문직으로서 치과위생사 의 위상을 확립할 방안을 모색하기 위해서는 전문직 정체성 의 정의를 정립하고 구성 요인을 규명하여 이를 토대로 사 J Dent Hyg Sci Vol.…”