Utilization rate of dental implant for elderly in National Health Insurance in Korea

Ryu,  Jae-In; Jeon,  Ji-Eun

J Korean Dent Assoc > Volume 57(9); 2019 > Article

The Journal of The Korean Dental Association 2019;57(9):496-503.
Published online September 30, 2019.

노인의 치과임플란트 건강보험 급여 이용률 현황

류재인¹, 전지은²

^¹경희대학교 치과대학 예방.사회치과학교실
^²경희대학교 치과대학 예방.사회치과학교실

Utilization rate of dental implant for elderly in National Health Insurance in Korea

Jae-In Ryu¹, Ji-Eun Jeon²

¹Department of Preventive and Social Dentistry, College of Dentistry, Kyung Hee University
²Department of Preventive and Social Dentistry, College of Dentistry, Kyung Hee University

Abstract

A dental implant has been covered by National Health Insurance (NHI) in Korea since 2014. Every year the age group covered was extended and the out-of-pocket payment was decreased. This study analyzed the dental implant utilization rate by the National Health Insurance customized DB during the last 5 years. As a result, the utilization rate has been rapidly increasing steeply. The differences by age and sex in the utilization rate of dental implants were explored. The inclusion of a dental implant in the NHI system contributed to improving the dental accessibility of the elderly in Korea. However, a deep discussion is needed whether it is appropriately provided to necessary patients. The utilization rate will increase further in the future. Therefore, continuous monitoring and critical policy review should be continued.

Key Words: Health Insurance;Senior Citizen;Dental;Implant;Society Economic Factor;