Abstract
Objectives: To provide necessary information for stable establishment of the national dental scaling reimbursement system. Methods: This study was conducted in 380 adults in their twenties or older for about one month from July 2017. The questionnaires were composed of general characteristics, recognition (awareness) of dental scaling, knowledge of the dental scaling reimbursement program, changes in perception before versus after introduction of the dental scaling reimbursement program, and interest in oral health. To investigate into any factors affecting changes of interest in oral health care after introduction of the dental scaling reimbursement program, a multiple regression analysis was performed. Results: The investigation into any factors affecting changes of interest in oral health care after introduction of the dental scaling reimbursement program showed that higher usual interest in oral health (p<0.001) and the consideration that the dental scaling charges have been affordable after introduction of the scaling reimbursement program (p<0.01) led to more changes in interest in oral health care. Conclusions: The above-mentioned results suggest that the dental scaling reimbursement program has brought favorable changes in the perception of dental scaling. It is expected that the said program will contribute significantly to the improved national oral health, and the Government should make constant efforts to develop it as a long-term policy for oral health improvement.