Abstract
Objectives : The purpose of this study on the oral health behavior of foreign workers and dental care in the community is to identify actual oral health conditions of immigrated labors, to promote their oral health and to gather basic data providing them with proper oral health services Methods : Based on previous studies, The researchers wrote their own surveys in English, in Vietnamnese, in Tagalogue, in Thai. Making questions on the paper to 114 foreign workers in Pocheon, Gyeonggi-do were surveyed. Using the program SPSS 17.0 for Windows, the collected data were analyzed. The frequency analysis, the chi-square analysis and the correlation analysis was performed to recognize their relevance between the oral health status and the actual oral care and the subjective perception of oral health. Results : General characteristics of the foreign workers is the overwhelming majority of male demographic 78.9%. By age, 20-29 years of age accounted for 50%, and duration of stay in the city is less than 3-5 years to 68.4%, It was most common. The percentage going to the dentist when teeth hurt is although 56 percent. But the ratio to endure the pain without going to the dentist, was 44%. The main reason to not go to the dentist was the time 55.2% and cost 11.9%. A mere 9.6% of respondents knew about the free dental care and used. 67.5% of them was not aware of the free dental care agency, 59.6% were keen to use the free care. However, 40.4% did not want a free dental care because they did not have the time(26.3%), the distance is far away(3.5%), and difficulties in communication(3.5%) and the other(66.7%). Conclusions : The major percentage of the other reason(66.7%) why they did not want to go to free dental service, must be specifically identified. For the activation of free dental services, the active support of central and local governments is needed. By focusing on health-related departments of the University in the community, it is necessary to operate the program of the oral health care for foreign workers.