닫기

Ex) Article Title, Author, Keywords

Original Article

Split Viewer

Journal of Technologic Dentistry 2021; 43(3): 124-131

Published online September 30, 2021

https://doi.org/10.14347/jtd.2021.43.3.124

© Korean Academy of Dental Technology

충청남도 홍성군관내 노인환자의 치과 임플란트 보험수급 인식도와 치과진료기관 선정 요건에 관한 분석

한민수, 권은자, 최에스더

혜전대학교 치기공과

Received: August 10, 2021; Revised: August 30, 2021; Accepted: September 6, 2021

An analysis of the perceptions of dental implant plans in the Korean national health insurance and the dental clinic selection criteria among elderly patients in Hongseong-gun, Chungcheongnam-do

Min Soo Han , Eun Ja Kwon , Esther Choi

Department of Dental Laboratory Technology, Hyejeon College, Hongseong, Korea

Correspondence to :
Min Soo Han
Department of Dental Laboratory Technology, Hyejeon College, 19 Daehak 1-gil, Hongseong-eup, Hongseong-gun 32244, Korea E-mail: ceramic2002@hj.ac.kr
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4501-2913
*This paper was supported by grant from Hyejeon College, 2020.

Received: August 10, 2021; Revised: August 30, 2021; Accepted: September 6, 2021

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the perception of dental implant insurance supply and demand for the elderly living in Hongseong-gun and Chungcheongnam-do, as well as the selection criteria regarding dental clinics for dental implant treatment to collect basic data for improving the oral health of the elderly population.
Methods: Participants living in Hongseong-gun, Chungcheongnam-do who were at least 55 years old from November 2020 to March 2021 were included in this study. The chi-square test was performed to examine the age-specific perception of insurance-covered dental implants (p<0.05).
Results: The age group that was the most interested in implants was the 70s age group, and the difference between this age group and the other age groups was statistically significant. Those in their 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s or older paid about 600,000 won including dental implants covered by insurance, and there was a significant difference (p<0.05). Those in their 60s, 70s, and 80s estimated the highest value of implants covered by insurance as two and showed a significant difference (p<0.05). The awareness of the dental implant insurance by age showed that all age groups, except for the ≥90 years age group, considered the insurance to be mediocre mostly due to the large co-payment (p<0.05).
Conclusion: There were differences by age in the awareness of dental implant insurance, co-payments, number of applications, and insurance coverage. The perceptions on dental implant insurance by age showed that all age groups except for those over 90 years and older, they considered the insurance was just mediocre the most.

Keywords: Awareness, Dental implants, Elderly age, Insurance recipiency, Oral health

In recent years, due to the development of medical technology, Korea is growing aging population in conjunction with increase in overall population. The increase in the elderly population is causing social problems deriving out of their health and welfare [1,2]. In order to maintain the optimal health of the elderly, the most basic thing is to consume proper nutrition, and for this, it is essential to secure oral function for masticatory movement. The most common oral problem in the elderly is caused by loss of large number of teeth. Dentures or dental implants are used to restore restoration of masticatory function by replacing the function. At the same time, they are helpful for enhancing pronunciations and aesthetics, which are related to interpersonal relationships. Therefore, oral health is not just a health issue, but has a great impact on the quality of life. Accordingly, there is a continuous need for efforts to improve oral health of the elderly [3]. According to the 2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 29.35% of the elderly aged 65 years and older had no dental treatment, and 49.15% of those aged 70 years or older complained of mastication discomfort. That is, 1 out of 2 individuals complains of discomfort in mastication [4]. In Korea, as interest in dental health increases, various efforts are being made for its advancement. In 2014, for the first time in the world, dental implant coverage by national health insurance was started with 50% of the co-payment for those over 75 years of age. In 2015, the target was expanded to those aged 70 and over, and in 2016, again extended to those aged 65 and over [5].

Accordingly, proportion of the patients with the insurance dentures to those with the insurance implants is expected to increase significantly. As the number of insurance dentures and implants increase, many studies have been reported on the application different types of dental prosthetics and their satisfaction degrees. The studies prevailed that when comparing the quality of life of the elderly with dentures and those with implants, the patients with dental implants showed greater satisfaction in masticating ability and quality of life [6-8]. There have been many studies in Korea evaluating oral health status of the elderly and determining extent of its impact on the quality of life.

Yet, analysis on the elder’s acknowledgement on dental implants as treatment is insufficient, and as well analysis on the senior group’s criteria to select dental treatment institutions. Accordingly, this study investigate demands of the elderly living in Hongseong-gun, Chungcheongnam-do on insurance dental implants, and also their selection criteria for dental hospitals and clinics for the dental implant treatment to provide basic data for improving oral health of the elderly.

1. Research subject

This study surveyed the elderly aged 55 years or older living in Hongseong-gun, Chungcheongnam-do from November 2020 to March 2021. The subjects of the study were the subjects who agreed to after being explained the purpose of the study, and answered the simple-answer and interview type questionnaire. The total number of subjects responded to 121, and 118 copies were finally analyzed, excluding 3 insincere questionnaires.

2. Research methods

The survey contents consisted of 3 questions on general characteristics, 3 questions on the awareness of dental implants, and 6 questions on the conditions for selecting dental hospitals and clinics for dental implant surgery. Preliminary questionnaires were developed with reference to the research papers. As the preliminary and interview questionnaire was conducted targeting 15 people over 55 years of age, and the questions were revised and improved in consideration of the significance of the research contents.

3. Data analysis

With the collected data, the categorical data of the study subjects were analyzed by the chi-square test, and the statistical significance level was α=0.05. Fisher’s exact test was performed as a post hoc test.

1. General characteristics of the study subjects

The general characteristics of the study subjects were that they were composed of 34.75% man and 65.25% woman, and in terms of age, 4.24% of group was under 60s, 17.8% was over 60s, 34.75% was in 70s, 37.29% in 80s, 5.93% was in 90s. When it came to occupations, 65.25% was in agriculture, 26.27% was in others, 5.93% was professionals and 2.54% preferred not to answer (Table 1).

Table 1 . General characteristics of the study subjects by age (N =118)

CharacteristicsN (%)
Gender
Woman77 (65.25)
Man41 (34.75)
Age
Under 605 (4.24)
60s21 (17.80)
70s41(34.75)
80s44 (37.29)
90s and older7 (5.93)
Occupation
Agriculture77 (65.25)
Other31 (26.27)
Professional7 (5.93)
Prefer not to answer3 (2.54)


2. Comparison of awareness of insurance dental implants

In the comparison of the age-specific insurance dental implant awareness, those under 60s who thought about whether they were aware of dental implants, or were interested, were both 40.0% respectively. The age group in 60s showed 38.10% and 42.86% correspondingly. The age group in 70s showed the most with 31.71% saying they have thought about it, and 53.66% saying they are very interested. 36.36% of the age group in 80s displayed that they have thought about it, meanwhile 27.27% answered they have a lot of interest. Accordingly, there was a significant difference by age in awareness about implants (p<0.05). For the questionnaire whether the subjects were aware of how much the co-payment was, 100% of those under the age of 60 answered that copayment was 200,000 won. 47.62% of those in 60s, the highest percentage of the group, answered the copayment 400,000 won. For those in 70s, 80s, and 90s and over answered the copayment 600,000 won at 43.9%, 47.73%, and 42.86%, respectively. There was a significant difference by age for the co-payment of insurance implants (p<0.05). 100% of the age group under 60s supposed the national health insurance could cover 3 dental implants, whereas the age group in 60s, 70s, and 80s, thought the insurance could cover up to 2 dental implants at the percentage of 38.1%, 63.41%, and 65.91%, respectively. There was a significant difference by age for the answer to the number of insurance dental implants covered (p<0.05; Table 2).

Table 2 . Comparison of awareness of insurance dental implants by age (N=118)

FeatureN (%)

AgeUnder 6060s70s80s90s and olderTotalp-value
AwarenessAware of it-3 (14.29)4 (9.76)8 (9.09)1 (14.29)16 (13.56)0.031
Thought about it2 (40.00)8 (38.10)13 (31.71)16 (36.36)-39 (33.05)
Very interested2 (40.00)9 (42.86)22 (53.66)12 (27.27)2 (28.57)47 (39.98)
Do not know1 (20.00)1 (4.76)2 (4.88)8 (18.18)4 (57.14)16 (13.56)
Post hoc resultabaaabb
Copayment200,000 won5 (100.00)5 (23.81)9 (21.95)7 (15.91)2 (28.57)28 (23.73)0.006
400,000 won-10 (47.62)12 (29.27)7 (15.91)2 (28.57)31 (26.27)
600,000 won-3 (14.29)18 (43.90)21 (47.73)3 (42.86)45 (38.14)
Free-3 (14.29)2 (4.88)8 (18.18)-13 (11.02)
No idea---1 (2.27)-1 (0.84)
Post hoc resultabbccabc
Number of
implants
insured
1-4 (19.05)5 (12.20)5 (11.36)3 (42.85)17 (14.41)0.001
2-8 (38.10)26 (63.41)29 (65.91)3 (42.85)66 (55.93)
35 (100.00)4 (19.05)7 (17.07)4 (9.10)-20 (16.95)
More than 4-5 (23.81)3 (7.32)6 (13.64)1 (14.29)15 (12.71)
Post hoc resultabbbb


3. Comparison of attitudes toward the dental implant and its surgery

When the age-specific perceptions on insurance dental implant surgery of the study subjects were compared, for the experience of dental implant surgery, 80.0% of the age group under 60 had no experience with the dental implant surgery, and 57.14% of the group in 60s had no experience with implant surgery. Those in their 70s and those in their 80s had the highest rate of 68.3% and 87.18%, respectively, for the answer that they had no experience with implant surgery. 100% of the age group in 90s answered they had no experience of dental implant surgery. When it came to the reasons why they are receiving the dental implant surgery, healthy food intake was the most common answer for all age groups, on the other hand, the most common reason for not having dental implant surgery was due to living conditions at all age groups. And for the question asking who should be the decision maker for insurance dental implant surgery, the surgery recipient himself displayed the biggest parts in all age groups (Table 3).

Table 3 . Comparison of attitudes toward the dental implant and its surgery by age (N=118)

FeatureN (%)

AgeUnder 6060s70s80s90s and olderTotalp-value
ExperienceYes1 (20.00)9 (42.86)13 (31.70)5 (12.82)-28 (23.73)0.020
No4 (80.00)12 (57.14)28 (68.30)39 (87.18)7 (100.00)90 (76.27)
Reason for
implant
surgery
Healthy food intake4 (80.00)21 (100.00)34 (82.93)41 (93.18)6 (85.71)106 (89.83)0.758
Family suggestion--2 (4.88)1 (2.27)-3 (2.54)
Economic factor1 (20.00)-4 (9.76)2 (4.45)1 (14.29)8 (6.78)
Other--1 (2.44)--1 (0.84)
Reasons
for no
implant
surgery
Living condition2 (40.00)10 (47.62)21 (51.22)16 (36.36)5 (71.43)54 (45.76)0.780
Opinions from
surrounding
1 (20.00)4 (19.05)11 (26.83)9 (20.45)-25 (21.19)
Dental treatment
issue
1 (20.00)3 (14.39)3 (7.32)6 (13.35)1 (14.29)14 (11.86)
Other1 (20.00)4 (19.05)6 (14.63)13 (29.55)1 (14.29)25 (21.19)
Decision
maker
Recipient-self5 (100.00)18 (85.71)34 (82.93)31 (70.45)3 (42.86)91 (77.12)0.320
Guardian not living
together
-1 (4.76)4 (9.76)7 (15.91)2 (28.58)14 (11.86)
Guardian living
together
-2 (9.52)3 (7.32)6 (13.64)2 (28.58)13 (11.40)


4. Comparison on awareness of dental implant insurance recipiency

In a comparison of the age-specific awareness on qualification of the insurance-covered dental implants among the study subjects, all groups replied that the age 65 years or older were the age that was most likely to receive dental implant insurance. For opinion on receiving insurance for dental implants, the most in all age groups answered that it was mediocre except those over 90. The age group in 90s answered 71.43% that they were not interested in the matter. There was a significant difference in opinions on the supply and demand of insurance implants by age (p<0.05; Table 4).

Table 4 . Comparison on awareness of dental implant insurance recipiency by the age group (N=118)

FeatureN (%)

AgeUnder 6060s70s80s90s and olderTotalp-value
Insurance
recipiency
Living condition2 (40.00)7 (31.82)5 (12.20)16 (36.36)3 (42.86)33 (27.97)0.383
Age 65 years and
higher
2 (40.00)12 (54.55)31 (75.61)21 (47.73)3 (42.86)69 (58.48)
Disabilities in
movement
1 (20.00)1 (4.55)2 (4.88)5 (11.36)1 (14.29)10 (8.47)
Others-1 (4.55)3 (7.32)2 (4.55)-6 (5.08)
Opinion on
insurance
Exceptional-4 (19.05)3 (9.76)3 (6.82)-10 (8.47)0.002
Good1 (20.00)-13 (31.71)10 (22.73)1 (14.29)25 (21.19)
Mediocre3 (60.00)16 (76.19)21 (51.22)22 (50.00)1 (14.29)63 (53.39)
Not interested1 (20.00)1 (4.76)4 (9.76)9 (20.45)5 (71.43)20 (16.95)
Post hoc resultabcabbcc


5. Selection of dental hospitals and clinics by age

In the comparison of selection criteria for dental hospitals and clinics by age of the study subjects, the age group in 70s, 80s, and 90s showed preference of dental hospitals and clinics located near Hongseong-gun was 46.34% and 45.45%, and 85.71% respectively. Regarding the criteria for determining the location of hospitals and clinics, those in 60s, 80s, and over 90s showed the near residence with 61.9%, 59.1%, and 71.43%, respectively, 46.34% of the group in 70s showed that the recommendation of acquaintance appeared as the most important determining factor for the location. Regarding the local conditions around a hospital or clinic, it was found that all age groups, except for those in the age 90 years old and older, considered the accessibility of public transportation as the most important facet. For those over the age of 90, approachability with their guardian was the most at 57.14%. For the questionnaire asking what is important in the selection criteria of dental hospitals and clinics, all age group answered the skill of dentists as the most important factor.

The most suitable distance for dental hospitals and clinics was within 1 hour for those under 60 and those in 60s, with 80.0% and 52.38%, respectively, and within 30 minutes for those in 70s, in 80s, and over 90, respectively, 46.34%, 45.45% and 71.43%.

In terms of building conditions for dental hospitals and clinics, those under the age of 60 and older than 90 preferred the dental hospitals and clinics located on the first floor, with 60.0% and 85.71%, respectively, showing the most preference, whereas those in 60s, 70s, and 80s, the most common answer was that it did not matter as long as there is an elevator with the percentages of 76.19%, 58.54%, and 77.27%, respectively. There was a significant difference in the preference by age in the building conditions of dental hospitals and clinics (p<0.05; Table 5).

Table 5 . Selection of hospitals and clinics by age (N=118)

FeatureN (%)

AgeUnder 6060s70s80s90s and olderTotalp-value
Preferred
location
Vicinity of
Hongseong-gun
2 (40.00)6 (28.57)19 (46.34)20 (45.45)6 (85.71)53 (44.92)0.218
Cities other
than Hongseong-gun
2 (40.00)6 (28.57)6 (14.63)6 (13.64)1 (14.29)21 (17.80)
Doesn't matter1 (20.00)9 (42.86)16 (39.02)18 (40.91)-44 (37.29)
Location
requirements
Recommended by
acquaintances
1 (20.00)5 (23.81)19 (46.34)15 (34.10)1 (14.29)46 (38.98)0.094
Near residence2 (40.00)13 (61.90)13 (31.71)26 (59.10)5 (71.43)59 (50.00)
Avoiding poor surgeon2 (40.00)3 (14.29)9 (21.95)3 (6.82)1 (14.29)18 (15.25)
Surrounding
requirements
Accessibility of
public transport
4 (80.00)17 (80.95)28 (68.29)30 (68.18)3 (42.86)82 (69.49)0.533
Proximity to guardian1 (20.00)4 (19.05)12 (29.27)11 (25.00)4 (57.14)32 (27.19)
Other--1 (2.44)3 (6.81)-4 (3.39)
Selection
requirements
Dentist's skills3 (60.00)15 (71.43)32 (78.05)30 (68.18)4 (57.14)84 (71.19)0.885
Treatment cost2 (40.00)6 (28.57)9 (21.95)13 (29.55)3 (42.86)33 (27.97)
Other---1 (2.27)-1 (0.84)
Proper distanceWithin 30 minutes1 (20.00)5 (23.81)19 (46.34)20 (45.45)5 (71.43)50 (42.37)0.277
Within 1 hour4 (80.00)11 (52.38)16 (39.02)16 (36.36)2 (28.57)49 (41.53)
Doesn't matter-5 (23.81)6 (14.63)8 (18.18)-19 (16.10)
Building
requirements
First floor3 (60.00)4 (19.05)16 (39.02)10 (22.73)6 (85.71)39 (33.05)0.002
Second floor1 (20.00)1 (5.76)1 (2.44)--3 (2.54)
Doesn't matter if
there is an elevator
1 (20.00)16 (76.19)24 (58.54)34 (77.27)1 (14.29)76 (64.41)
Post hoc resultabacabccd

One of the most common oral health problems for the elderly is tooth loss, which not only reduces chewing ability, but also has a major impact on overall health, as it can lead to a decrease in the quality of life, so it is important to restore the function of teeth [8,9]. Implants or dentures are mainly performed on the elderly to restore the function of their teeth. The preference for implants is continuously growing over dentures, and from the case of the elderly with implants, the mastication ability was higher than that of the elderly with dentures, and the satisfaction relates to quality of life related to oral health was high [1,8]. Therefore, in order to improve the accessibility of dental care for the elderly, the government expands the insurance coverage on denture benefits and introduces implants for the elderly. Despite these efforts, there are still elderly people from the vulnerable class who do not receive the benefits of the expanding insurance coverage policy due to high co-payments and narrow service spectrum [2].

Thus, this study was designed to study the elderly living in Hongseong-gun, Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea where there is a large elderly population to understand their perception of dental implant insurance supply and demand, to investigate their criteria for selecting dental hospitals and clinics for the dental implant treatment, and from those data, to improve oral health of elderly patients by providing great medical services. In the age-specific insurance dental implant perceptions, the age group in 70s was interested in or thought about implants appeared the most, and this was due to the implant insurance coverage began the recipient age of 75 years or older in 2014 and later limited to those over the age of 65 years and older. In the case of dental implants, unlike dentures, surgical operation is necessary. But there are some adversities for the recipients when majority of the elderly experiences various diseases, and their alveolar bone condition is also in poor; and when it is difficult to access a dentist who can perform an implant procedure [10]. However, if the dental implant coverage extends by lowering the age group, various problems may arise in elderly oral care as they may prefer implants rather than maintaining teeth and using dental prosthetics [1]. In this regard, a more in-depth discussion is needed to decide the recipient age for the dental implant coverage, to establish a guideline to manage dental hospitals and clinics and a quality control plan to provide appropriate dental implants and a quality management plan has been established for the patient [11].

In this study, as for insurance dental implant surgery, the majority of those aged 60 years or older had experience with surgery, and those who were 70 years or older had no experience with implant surgery. Dental implants in Korea have grown rapidly since the late 2000s and are in the spotlight as a treatment with a very high success rate, but implant failures are also being reported steadily due to various factors [12,13]. The most common reason for the all groups of subjects’ dental implant surgery was to eat healthy food.

The mastication ability is one of the important factors of good oral health, and it has great influence on preserving overall health due to it helps nutritional intake, and thus improve the quality of life. Therefore, it is not possible to maintain health and stamina when there is discomfort in mastication, which can lead a person to narrow-down one’s choice of food intake and lower the amount of food intake and quality, directly affects the quality of life by depriving a person’s happiness [14,15]. As one gets older, one’s overall health weakens, and is more likely to be easily exposed to various diseases [16]. In general, the disease incidence rate of the elderly is two to three times higher than that of the non-elderly, and they suffer from chronic diseases, and the resulting medical costs are relatively high [17]. However, the study by Ryu and Jeon [18] points out that the overall utilization rate is not high due to the still high 30% health insurance out-of-pocket expenses, and the contribution to the expansion of dental health insurance coverage is not clear. Despite the expansion of dental implant health insurance coverage, the overall usage rate is not high, and in some cases, the cost per user is high, which puts a financial burden on the National Health Insurance Corporation, raising concerns about cost effectiveness [18]. Consequently, it is necessary to discuss about cost-effectiveness of the plan.

The criteria for selecting a dental hospital or clinic for an implant surgery was preferred when located in the vicinity of Hongseong-gun, was accessible by public transportation, and near one’s residence was the most common. It is consistent with studies that the physically vulnerable group has a high dependence on public transportation when using medical services, and the elderly group will have higher housing utility when one’s place is well-established with transportation service due to physical agedness [19].

In order to promote the oral health of the elderly, the National Health Insurance Service has been making an effort to improve accessibility of dental care for the elderly by covering dentures and implant for the elderly as insurance. However, in the case of oral disease, the health insurance coverage rate is lower than that of non-oral diseases, and the proportion of items that are not covered during dental treatment is high, the financial burden on the patient surges for medical expenses [20]. In addition, there are many institutional limitations in restoring and maintaining lost teeth. When a large number of teeth are lost, there is a burden to use dental procedures at high cost, and there is also a lot of inequality in regards to oral health within the social classes with various degrees of the economic stability. Consequently, efforts to overcome these issues and to raise awareness on oral health issues in Korea should be continued.

In this study, in order to provide high-quality oral health care services to elderly patients, and to provide basic data for improving their oral health, perceptions on the national-insurance-covered dental implant’s supply and demand, and selection criteria for dental implant treatment for the elderly living in Hongseong-gun, Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea were investigated.

1. In the age-specific insurance dental implant awareness, the age at which they were interested in or thought about implants was the most common among those in the age group in 70s by a significant difference (p<0.05).

2. For those in their 70s, 80s, and 90s and over had the highest co-payments at 600,000 won. There was a convincing difference in co-payment for insurance implants by age (p<0.05).

3. Those in their 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s had the highest level of coverage with up to two implants. The responses to the number of implants covered by insurance showed significant differences by age (p<0.05).

4. For the attitude toward dental implants and surgeries by age, the most common reason for doing implants was to intake healthy food at all age groups, and the reason for not having implant surgery appeared to be a living condition for all age groups.

5. The perceptions on dental implant insurance by age showed that all age groups except for those over 90 years and older, they considered the insurance was just mediocre the most (p<0.05).

6. For those under 60 and over 90, dental hospitals and clinics located on the first floor had the most, and those in their 60s, 70s, and 80s said it doesn’t matter if they have an elevator. The building conditions of dental hospitals and clinics had significant differences in preference by age (p<0.05).


No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

  1. Oh SH, Lee YJ, Lee YJ, Lee JM, Lee JH, Kim SH. A study on the recognition about national health insurance coverage of denture, implant of elderly people. J Dent Hyg Sci. 2014;14:502-509.
    CrossRef
  2. Ahn E, Hwang JM, Shin MS. Dental utilization associated factors among elderly. J Dent Hyg Sci. 2015;15:60-66.
    CrossRef
  3. Kim SH, Lim SA, Park SJ, Kim DK. Assessment oral health-related quality of life using the oral health impact profile (OHIP). J Korean Acad Oral Health. 2004;28:559-569.
  4. Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The 5th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Cheongju: Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2012.
  5. Ministry of Health and Welfare. Medical benefit statistics for 2019.
  6. Yu SH, Kim YI, Lee HS. Oral health-related quality of life in the elderly with removable denture. J Korean Acad Oral Health. 2008;32:575-586.
  7. Kim YJ. Review for implant insurance in elderly. J Korean Acad Dent Insur. 2013;4:24-29.
  8. Esposito M, Grusovin MG, Coulthard P, Thomsen P, Worthington HV. A 5-year follow-up comparative analysis of the efficacy of various osseointegrated dental implant systems: a systematic review of randomized controlled clinical trials. Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants. 2005;20:557-568.
    Pubmed
  9. Kim SH, Kim SJ, Lee KW, Han DH. The effects of local factors on the survival of dental implants: a 19 year retrospective study. J Korean Acad Prosthodont. 2010;48:28-40.
    CrossRef
  10. Inglehart MR, Bagramian RA. Oral health related quality of life. Oral health related quality of life. Chicago (IL): Quintessence Publishing, 2002.
  11. Kim KW. Comparison of chewing ability and change in quality of life for implanted patients. Kyungsan: Yeungnam University; 2008.
  12. Park SY. The associated factors with use and intention of dental implant among some rural elderly. [doctoral dissertation]. Gwangju: Chosun University, 2017.
  13. Kim JE. Estimation of elderly residential location demand considering medical service accessibility. Seoul: Seoul National University; 2017.
  14. Ryu JI, Jeon JE. Utilization rate of dental implant for elderly in National Health Insurance in Korea. J Korean Dent Assoc. 2019;57:496-503.
  15. Litman, T. Evaluating public transportation health benefits. Victoria: Victoria Transport Policy Institute; 2010.
  16. Chae SI. Factors associated with unmet dental care needs of older adults. Suwon: Ajou University; 2013.

Article

Original Article

Journal of Technologic Dentistry 2021; 43(3): 124-131

Published online September 30, 2021 https://doi.org/10.14347/jtd.2021.43.3.124

Copyright © Korean Academy of Dental Technology.

충청남도 홍성군관내 노인환자의 치과 임플란트 보험수급 인식도와 치과진료기관 선정 요건에 관한 분석

한민수, 권은자, 최에스더

혜전대학교 치기공과

Received: August 10, 2021; Revised: August 30, 2021; Accepted: September 6, 2021

An analysis of the perceptions of dental implant plans in the Korean national health insurance and the dental clinic selection criteria among elderly patients in Hongseong-gun, Chungcheongnam-do

Min Soo Han , Eun Ja Kwon , Esther Choi

Department of Dental Laboratory Technology, Hyejeon College, Hongseong, Korea

Correspondence to:Min Soo Han
Department of Dental Laboratory Technology, Hyejeon College, 19 Daehak 1-gil, Hongseong-eup, Hongseong-gun 32244, Korea E-mail: ceramic2002@hj.ac.kr
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4501-2913
*This paper was supported by grant from Hyejeon College, 2020.

Received: August 10, 2021; Revised: August 30, 2021; Accepted: September 6, 2021

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the perception of dental implant insurance supply and demand for the elderly living in Hongseong-gun and Chungcheongnam-do, as well as the selection criteria regarding dental clinics for dental implant treatment to collect basic data for improving the oral health of the elderly population.
Methods: Participants living in Hongseong-gun, Chungcheongnam-do who were at least 55 years old from November 2020 to March 2021 were included in this study. The chi-square test was performed to examine the age-specific perception of insurance-covered dental implants (p<0.05).
Results: The age group that was the most interested in implants was the 70s age group, and the difference between this age group and the other age groups was statistically significant. Those in their 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s or older paid about 600,000 won including dental implants covered by insurance, and there was a significant difference (p<0.05). Those in their 60s, 70s, and 80s estimated the highest value of implants covered by insurance as two and showed a significant difference (p<0.05). The awareness of the dental implant insurance by age showed that all age groups, except for the ≥90 years age group, considered the insurance to be mediocre mostly due to the large co-payment (p<0.05).
Conclusion: There were differences by age in the awareness of dental implant insurance, co-payments, number of applications, and insurance coverage. The perceptions on dental implant insurance by age showed that all age groups except for those over 90 years and older, they considered the insurance was just mediocre the most.

Keywords: Awareness, Dental implants, Elderly age, Insurance recipiency, Oral health

INTRODUCTION

In recent years, due to the development of medical technology, Korea is growing aging population in conjunction with increase in overall population. The increase in the elderly population is causing social problems deriving out of their health and welfare [1,2]. In order to maintain the optimal health of the elderly, the most basic thing is to consume proper nutrition, and for this, it is essential to secure oral function for masticatory movement. The most common oral problem in the elderly is caused by loss of large number of teeth. Dentures or dental implants are used to restore restoration of masticatory function by replacing the function. At the same time, they are helpful for enhancing pronunciations and aesthetics, which are related to interpersonal relationships. Therefore, oral health is not just a health issue, but has a great impact on the quality of life. Accordingly, there is a continuous need for efforts to improve oral health of the elderly [3]. According to the 2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 29.35% of the elderly aged 65 years and older had no dental treatment, and 49.15% of those aged 70 years or older complained of mastication discomfort. That is, 1 out of 2 individuals complains of discomfort in mastication [4]. In Korea, as interest in dental health increases, various efforts are being made for its advancement. In 2014, for the first time in the world, dental implant coverage by national health insurance was started with 50% of the co-payment for those over 75 years of age. In 2015, the target was expanded to those aged 70 and over, and in 2016, again extended to those aged 65 and over [5].

Accordingly, proportion of the patients with the insurance dentures to those with the insurance implants is expected to increase significantly. As the number of insurance dentures and implants increase, many studies have been reported on the application different types of dental prosthetics and their satisfaction degrees. The studies prevailed that when comparing the quality of life of the elderly with dentures and those with implants, the patients with dental implants showed greater satisfaction in masticating ability and quality of life [6-8]. There have been many studies in Korea evaluating oral health status of the elderly and determining extent of its impact on the quality of life.

Yet, analysis on the elder’s acknowledgement on dental implants as treatment is insufficient, and as well analysis on the senior group’s criteria to select dental treatment institutions. Accordingly, this study investigate demands of the elderly living in Hongseong-gun, Chungcheongnam-do on insurance dental implants, and also their selection criteria for dental hospitals and clinics for the dental implant treatment to provide basic data for improving oral health of the elderly.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

1. Research subject

This study surveyed the elderly aged 55 years or older living in Hongseong-gun, Chungcheongnam-do from November 2020 to March 2021. The subjects of the study were the subjects who agreed to after being explained the purpose of the study, and answered the simple-answer and interview type questionnaire. The total number of subjects responded to 121, and 118 copies were finally analyzed, excluding 3 insincere questionnaires.

2. Research methods

The survey contents consisted of 3 questions on general characteristics, 3 questions on the awareness of dental implants, and 6 questions on the conditions for selecting dental hospitals and clinics for dental implant surgery. Preliminary questionnaires were developed with reference to the research papers. As the preliminary and interview questionnaire was conducted targeting 15 people over 55 years of age, and the questions were revised and improved in consideration of the significance of the research contents.

3. Data analysis

With the collected data, the categorical data of the study subjects were analyzed by the chi-square test, and the statistical significance level was α=0.05. Fisher’s exact test was performed as a post hoc test.

RESULTS

1. General characteristics of the study subjects

The general characteristics of the study subjects were that they were composed of 34.75% man and 65.25% woman, and in terms of age, 4.24% of group was under 60s, 17.8% was over 60s, 34.75% was in 70s, 37.29% in 80s, 5.93% was in 90s. When it came to occupations, 65.25% was in agriculture, 26.27% was in others, 5.93% was professionals and 2.54% preferred not to answer (Table 1).

Table 1 . General characteristics of the study subjects by age (N =118).

CharacteristicsN (%)
Gender
Woman77 (65.25)
Man41 (34.75)
Age
Under 605 (4.24)
60s21 (17.80)
70s41(34.75)
80s44 (37.29)
90s and older7 (5.93)
Occupation
Agriculture77 (65.25)
Other31 (26.27)
Professional7 (5.93)
Prefer not to answer3 (2.54)


2. Comparison of awareness of insurance dental implants

In the comparison of the age-specific insurance dental implant awareness, those under 60s who thought about whether they were aware of dental implants, or were interested, were both 40.0% respectively. The age group in 60s showed 38.10% and 42.86% correspondingly. The age group in 70s showed the most with 31.71% saying they have thought about it, and 53.66% saying they are very interested. 36.36% of the age group in 80s displayed that they have thought about it, meanwhile 27.27% answered they have a lot of interest. Accordingly, there was a significant difference by age in awareness about implants (p<0.05). For the questionnaire whether the subjects were aware of how much the co-payment was, 100% of those under the age of 60 answered that copayment was 200,000 won. 47.62% of those in 60s, the highest percentage of the group, answered the copayment 400,000 won. For those in 70s, 80s, and 90s and over answered the copayment 600,000 won at 43.9%, 47.73%, and 42.86%, respectively. There was a significant difference by age for the co-payment of insurance implants (p<0.05). 100% of the age group under 60s supposed the national health insurance could cover 3 dental implants, whereas the age group in 60s, 70s, and 80s, thought the insurance could cover up to 2 dental implants at the percentage of 38.1%, 63.41%, and 65.91%, respectively. There was a significant difference by age for the answer to the number of insurance dental implants covered (p<0.05; Table 2).

Table 2 . Comparison of awareness of insurance dental implants by age (N=118).

FeatureN (%)

AgeUnder 6060s70s80s90s and olderTotalp-value
AwarenessAware of it-3 (14.29)4 (9.76)8 (9.09)1 (14.29)16 (13.56)0.031
Thought about it2 (40.00)8 (38.10)13 (31.71)16 (36.36)-39 (33.05)
Very interested2 (40.00)9 (42.86)22 (53.66)12 (27.27)2 (28.57)47 (39.98)
Do not know1 (20.00)1 (4.76)2 (4.88)8 (18.18)4 (57.14)16 (13.56)
Post hoc resultabaaabb
Copayment200,000 won5 (100.00)5 (23.81)9 (21.95)7 (15.91)2 (28.57)28 (23.73)0.006
400,000 won-10 (47.62)12 (29.27)7 (15.91)2 (28.57)31 (26.27)
600,000 won-3 (14.29)18 (43.90)21 (47.73)3 (42.86)45 (38.14)
Free-3 (14.29)2 (4.88)8 (18.18)-13 (11.02)
No idea---1 (2.27)-1 (0.84)
Post hoc resultabbccabc
Number of
implants
insured
1-4 (19.05)5 (12.20)5 (11.36)3 (42.85)17 (14.41)0.001
2-8 (38.10)26 (63.41)29 (65.91)3 (42.85)66 (55.93)
35 (100.00)4 (19.05)7 (17.07)4 (9.10)-20 (16.95)
More than 4-5 (23.81)3 (7.32)6 (13.64)1 (14.29)15 (12.71)
Post hoc resultabbbb


3. Comparison of attitudes toward the dental implant and its surgery

When the age-specific perceptions on insurance dental implant surgery of the study subjects were compared, for the experience of dental implant surgery, 80.0% of the age group under 60 had no experience with the dental implant surgery, and 57.14% of the group in 60s had no experience with implant surgery. Those in their 70s and those in their 80s had the highest rate of 68.3% and 87.18%, respectively, for the answer that they had no experience with implant surgery. 100% of the age group in 90s answered they had no experience of dental implant surgery. When it came to the reasons why they are receiving the dental implant surgery, healthy food intake was the most common answer for all age groups, on the other hand, the most common reason for not having dental implant surgery was due to living conditions at all age groups. And for the question asking who should be the decision maker for insurance dental implant surgery, the surgery recipient himself displayed the biggest parts in all age groups (Table 3).

Table 3 . Comparison of attitudes toward the dental implant and its surgery by age (N=118).

FeatureN (%)

AgeUnder 6060s70s80s90s and olderTotalp-value
ExperienceYes1 (20.00)9 (42.86)13 (31.70)5 (12.82)-28 (23.73)0.020
No4 (80.00)12 (57.14)28 (68.30)39 (87.18)7 (100.00)90 (76.27)
Reason for
implant
surgery
Healthy food intake4 (80.00)21 (100.00)34 (82.93)41 (93.18)6 (85.71)106 (89.83)0.758
Family suggestion--2 (4.88)1 (2.27)-3 (2.54)
Economic factor1 (20.00)-4 (9.76)2 (4.45)1 (14.29)8 (6.78)
Other--1 (2.44)--1 (0.84)
Reasons
for no
implant
surgery
Living condition2 (40.00)10 (47.62)21 (51.22)16 (36.36)5 (71.43)54 (45.76)0.780
Opinions from
surrounding
1 (20.00)4 (19.05)11 (26.83)9 (20.45)-25 (21.19)
Dental treatment
issue
1 (20.00)3 (14.39)3 (7.32)6 (13.35)1 (14.29)14 (11.86)
Other1 (20.00)4 (19.05)6 (14.63)13 (29.55)1 (14.29)25 (21.19)
Decision
maker
Recipient-self5 (100.00)18 (85.71)34 (82.93)31 (70.45)3 (42.86)91 (77.12)0.320
Guardian not living
together
-1 (4.76)4 (9.76)7 (15.91)2 (28.58)14 (11.86)
Guardian living
together
-2 (9.52)3 (7.32)6 (13.64)2 (28.58)13 (11.40)


4. Comparison on awareness of dental implant insurance recipiency

In a comparison of the age-specific awareness on qualification of the insurance-covered dental implants among the study subjects, all groups replied that the age 65 years or older were the age that was most likely to receive dental implant insurance. For opinion on receiving insurance for dental implants, the most in all age groups answered that it was mediocre except those over 90. The age group in 90s answered 71.43% that they were not interested in the matter. There was a significant difference in opinions on the supply and demand of insurance implants by age (p<0.05; Table 4).

Table 4 . Comparison on awareness of dental implant insurance recipiency by the age group (N=118).

FeatureN (%)

AgeUnder 6060s70s80s90s and olderTotalp-value
Insurance
recipiency
Living condition2 (40.00)7 (31.82)5 (12.20)16 (36.36)3 (42.86)33 (27.97)0.383
Age 65 years and
higher
2 (40.00)12 (54.55)31 (75.61)21 (47.73)3 (42.86)69 (58.48)
Disabilities in
movement
1 (20.00)1 (4.55)2 (4.88)5 (11.36)1 (14.29)10 (8.47)
Others-1 (4.55)3 (7.32)2 (4.55)-6 (5.08)
Opinion on
insurance
Exceptional-4 (19.05)3 (9.76)3 (6.82)-10 (8.47)0.002
Good1 (20.00)-13 (31.71)10 (22.73)1 (14.29)25 (21.19)
Mediocre3 (60.00)16 (76.19)21 (51.22)22 (50.00)1 (14.29)63 (53.39)
Not interested1 (20.00)1 (4.76)4 (9.76)9 (20.45)5 (71.43)20 (16.95)
Post hoc resultabcabbcc


5. Selection of dental hospitals and clinics by age

In the comparison of selection criteria for dental hospitals and clinics by age of the study subjects, the age group in 70s, 80s, and 90s showed preference of dental hospitals and clinics located near Hongseong-gun was 46.34% and 45.45%, and 85.71% respectively. Regarding the criteria for determining the location of hospitals and clinics, those in 60s, 80s, and over 90s showed the near residence with 61.9%, 59.1%, and 71.43%, respectively, 46.34% of the group in 70s showed that the recommendation of acquaintance appeared as the most important determining factor for the location. Regarding the local conditions around a hospital or clinic, it was found that all age groups, except for those in the age 90 years old and older, considered the accessibility of public transportation as the most important facet. For those over the age of 90, approachability with their guardian was the most at 57.14%. For the questionnaire asking what is important in the selection criteria of dental hospitals and clinics, all age group answered the skill of dentists as the most important factor.

The most suitable distance for dental hospitals and clinics was within 1 hour for those under 60 and those in 60s, with 80.0% and 52.38%, respectively, and within 30 minutes for those in 70s, in 80s, and over 90, respectively, 46.34%, 45.45% and 71.43%.

In terms of building conditions for dental hospitals and clinics, those under the age of 60 and older than 90 preferred the dental hospitals and clinics located on the first floor, with 60.0% and 85.71%, respectively, showing the most preference, whereas those in 60s, 70s, and 80s, the most common answer was that it did not matter as long as there is an elevator with the percentages of 76.19%, 58.54%, and 77.27%, respectively. There was a significant difference in the preference by age in the building conditions of dental hospitals and clinics (p<0.05; Table 5).

Table 5 . Selection of hospitals and clinics by age (N=118).

FeatureN (%)

AgeUnder 6060s70s80s90s and olderTotalp-value
Preferred
location
Vicinity of
Hongseong-gun
2 (40.00)6 (28.57)19 (46.34)20 (45.45)6 (85.71)53 (44.92)0.218
Cities other
than Hongseong-gun
2 (40.00)6 (28.57)6 (14.63)6 (13.64)1 (14.29)21 (17.80)
Doesn't matter1 (20.00)9 (42.86)16 (39.02)18 (40.91)-44 (37.29)
Location
requirements
Recommended by
acquaintances
1 (20.00)5 (23.81)19 (46.34)15 (34.10)1 (14.29)46 (38.98)0.094
Near residence2 (40.00)13 (61.90)13 (31.71)26 (59.10)5 (71.43)59 (50.00)
Avoiding poor surgeon2 (40.00)3 (14.29)9 (21.95)3 (6.82)1 (14.29)18 (15.25)
Surrounding
requirements
Accessibility of
public transport
4 (80.00)17 (80.95)28 (68.29)30 (68.18)3 (42.86)82 (69.49)0.533
Proximity to guardian1 (20.00)4 (19.05)12 (29.27)11 (25.00)4 (57.14)32 (27.19)
Other--1 (2.44)3 (6.81)-4 (3.39)
Selection
requirements
Dentist's skills3 (60.00)15 (71.43)32 (78.05)30 (68.18)4 (57.14)84 (71.19)0.885
Treatment cost2 (40.00)6 (28.57)9 (21.95)13 (29.55)3 (42.86)33 (27.97)
Other---1 (2.27)-1 (0.84)
Proper distanceWithin 30 minutes1 (20.00)5 (23.81)19 (46.34)20 (45.45)5 (71.43)50 (42.37)0.277
Within 1 hour4 (80.00)11 (52.38)16 (39.02)16 (36.36)2 (28.57)49 (41.53)
Doesn't matter-5 (23.81)6 (14.63)8 (18.18)-19 (16.10)
Building
requirements
First floor3 (60.00)4 (19.05)16 (39.02)10 (22.73)6 (85.71)39 (33.05)0.002
Second floor1 (20.00)1 (5.76)1 (2.44)--3 (2.54)
Doesn't matter if
there is an elevator
1 (20.00)16 (76.19)24 (58.54)34 (77.27)1 (14.29)76 (64.41)
Post hoc resultabacabccd

DISCUSSION

One of the most common oral health problems for the elderly is tooth loss, which not only reduces chewing ability, but also has a major impact on overall health, as it can lead to a decrease in the quality of life, so it is important to restore the function of teeth [8,9]. Implants or dentures are mainly performed on the elderly to restore the function of their teeth. The preference for implants is continuously growing over dentures, and from the case of the elderly with implants, the mastication ability was higher than that of the elderly with dentures, and the satisfaction relates to quality of life related to oral health was high [1,8]. Therefore, in order to improve the accessibility of dental care for the elderly, the government expands the insurance coverage on denture benefits and introduces implants for the elderly. Despite these efforts, there are still elderly people from the vulnerable class who do not receive the benefits of the expanding insurance coverage policy due to high co-payments and narrow service spectrum [2].

Thus, this study was designed to study the elderly living in Hongseong-gun, Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea where there is a large elderly population to understand their perception of dental implant insurance supply and demand, to investigate their criteria for selecting dental hospitals and clinics for the dental implant treatment, and from those data, to improve oral health of elderly patients by providing great medical services. In the age-specific insurance dental implant perceptions, the age group in 70s was interested in or thought about implants appeared the most, and this was due to the implant insurance coverage began the recipient age of 75 years or older in 2014 and later limited to those over the age of 65 years and older. In the case of dental implants, unlike dentures, surgical operation is necessary. But there are some adversities for the recipients when majority of the elderly experiences various diseases, and their alveolar bone condition is also in poor; and when it is difficult to access a dentist who can perform an implant procedure [10]. However, if the dental implant coverage extends by lowering the age group, various problems may arise in elderly oral care as they may prefer implants rather than maintaining teeth and using dental prosthetics [1]. In this regard, a more in-depth discussion is needed to decide the recipient age for the dental implant coverage, to establish a guideline to manage dental hospitals and clinics and a quality control plan to provide appropriate dental implants and a quality management plan has been established for the patient [11].

In this study, as for insurance dental implant surgery, the majority of those aged 60 years or older had experience with surgery, and those who were 70 years or older had no experience with implant surgery. Dental implants in Korea have grown rapidly since the late 2000s and are in the spotlight as a treatment with a very high success rate, but implant failures are also being reported steadily due to various factors [12,13]. The most common reason for the all groups of subjects’ dental implant surgery was to eat healthy food.

The mastication ability is one of the important factors of good oral health, and it has great influence on preserving overall health due to it helps nutritional intake, and thus improve the quality of life. Therefore, it is not possible to maintain health and stamina when there is discomfort in mastication, which can lead a person to narrow-down one’s choice of food intake and lower the amount of food intake and quality, directly affects the quality of life by depriving a person’s happiness [14,15]. As one gets older, one’s overall health weakens, and is more likely to be easily exposed to various diseases [16]. In general, the disease incidence rate of the elderly is two to three times higher than that of the non-elderly, and they suffer from chronic diseases, and the resulting medical costs are relatively high [17]. However, the study by Ryu and Jeon [18] points out that the overall utilization rate is not high due to the still high 30% health insurance out-of-pocket expenses, and the contribution to the expansion of dental health insurance coverage is not clear. Despite the expansion of dental implant health insurance coverage, the overall usage rate is not high, and in some cases, the cost per user is high, which puts a financial burden on the National Health Insurance Corporation, raising concerns about cost effectiveness [18]. Consequently, it is necessary to discuss about cost-effectiveness of the plan.

The criteria for selecting a dental hospital or clinic for an implant surgery was preferred when located in the vicinity of Hongseong-gun, was accessible by public transportation, and near one’s residence was the most common. It is consistent with studies that the physically vulnerable group has a high dependence on public transportation when using medical services, and the elderly group will have higher housing utility when one’s place is well-established with transportation service due to physical agedness [19].

In order to promote the oral health of the elderly, the National Health Insurance Service has been making an effort to improve accessibility of dental care for the elderly by covering dentures and implant for the elderly as insurance. However, in the case of oral disease, the health insurance coverage rate is lower than that of non-oral diseases, and the proportion of items that are not covered during dental treatment is high, the financial burden on the patient surges for medical expenses [20]. In addition, there are many institutional limitations in restoring and maintaining lost teeth. When a large number of teeth are lost, there is a burden to use dental procedures at high cost, and there is also a lot of inequality in regards to oral health within the social classes with various degrees of the economic stability. Consequently, efforts to overcome these issues and to raise awareness on oral health issues in Korea should be continued.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, in order to provide high-quality oral health care services to elderly patients, and to provide basic data for improving their oral health, perceptions on the national-insurance-covered dental implant’s supply and demand, and selection criteria for dental implant treatment for the elderly living in Hongseong-gun, Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea were investigated.

1. In the age-specific insurance dental implant awareness, the age at which they were interested in or thought about implants was the most common among those in the age group in 70s by a significant difference (p<0.05).

2. For those in their 70s, 80s, and 90s and over had the highest co-payments at 600,000 won. There was a convincing difference in co-payment for insurance implants by age (p<0.05).

3. Those in their 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s had the highest level of coverage with up to two implants. The responses to the number of implants covered by insurance showed significant differences by age (p<0.05).

4. For the attitude toward dental implants and surgeries by age, the most common reason for doing implants was to intake healthy food at all age groups, and the reason for not having implant surgery appeared to be a living condition for all age groups.

5. The perceptions on dental implant insurance by age showed that all age groups except for those over 90 years and older, they considered the insurance was just mediocre the most (p<0.05).

6. For those under 60 and over 90, dental hospitals and clinics located on the first floor had the most, and those in their 60s, 70s, and 80s said it doesn’t matter if they have an elevator. The building conditions of dental hospitals and clinics had significant differences in preference by age (p<0.05).

CONFLICT OF INTEREST


No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Table 1 . General characteristics of the study subjects by age (N =118).

CharacteristicsN (%)
Gender
Woman77 (65.25)
Man41 (34.75)
Age
Under 605 (4.24)
60s21 (17.80)
70s41(34.75)
80s44 (37.29)
90s and older7 (5.93)
Occupation
Agriculture77 (65.25)
Other31 (26.27)
Professional7 (5.93)
Prefer not to answer3 (2.54)

Table 2 . Comparison of awareness of insurance dental implants by age (N=118).

FeatureN (%)

AgeUnder 6060s70s80s90s and olderTotalp-value
AwarenessAware of it-3 (14.29)4 (9.76)8 (9.09)1 (14.29)16 (13.56)0.031
Thought about it2 (40.00)8 (38.10)13 (31.71)16 (36.36)-39 (33.05)
Very interested2 (40.00)9 (42.86)22 (53.66)12 (27.27)2 (28.57)47 (39.98)
Do not know1 (20.00)1 (4.76)2 (4.88)8 (18.18)4 (57.14)16 (13.56)
Post hoc resultabaaabb
Copayment200,000 won5 (100.00)5 (23.81)9 (21.95)7 (15.91)2 (28.57)28 (23.73)0.006
400,000 won-10 (47.62)12 (29.27)7 (15.91)2 (28.57)31 (26.27)
600,000 won-3 (14.29)18 (43.90)21 (47.73)3 (42.86)45 (38.14)
Free-3 (14.29)2 (4.88)8 (18.18)-13 (11.02)
No idea---1 (2.27)-1 (0.84)
Post hoc resultabbccabc
Number of
implants
insured
1-4 (19.05)5 (12.20)5 (11.36)3 (42.85)17 (14.41)0.001
2-8 (38.10)26 (63.41)29 (65.91)3 (42.85)66 (55.93)
35 (100.00)4 (19.05)7 (17.07)4 (9.10)-20 (16.95)
More than 4-5 (23.81)3 (7.32)6 (13.64)1 (14.29)15 (12.71)
Post hoc resultabbbb

Table 3 . Comparison of attitudes toward the dental implant and its surgery by age (N=118).

FeatureN (%)

AgeUnder 6060s70s80s90s and olderTotalp-value
ExperienceYes1 (20.00)9 (42.86)13 (31.70)5 (12.82)-28 (23.73)0.020
No4 (80.00)12 (57.14)28 (68.30)39 (87.18)7 (100.00)90 (76.27)
Reason for
implant
surgery
Healthy food intake4 (80.00)21 (100.00)34 (82.93)41 (93.18)6 (85.71)106 (89.83)0.758
Family suggestion--2 (4.88)1 (2.27)-3 (2.54)
Economic factor1 (20.00)-4 (9.76)2 (4.45)1 (14.29)8 (6.78)
Other--1 (2.44)--1 (0.84)
Reasons
for no
implant
surgery
Living condition2 (40.00)10 (47.62)21 (51.22)16 (36.36)5 (71.43)54 (45.76)0.780
Opinions from
surrounding
1 (20.00)4 (19.05)11 (26.83)9 (20.45)-25 (21.19)
Dental treatment
issue
1 (20.00)3 (14.39)3 (7.32)6 (13.35)1 (14.29)14 (11.86)
Other1 (20.00)4 (19.05)6 (14.63)13 (29.55)1 (14.29)25 (21.19)
Decision
maker
Recipient-self5 (100.00)18 (85.71)34 (82.93)31 (70.45)3 (42.86)91 (77.12)0.320
Guardian not living
together
-1 (4.76)4 (9.76)7 (15.91)2 (28.58)14 (11.86)
Guardian living
together
-2 (9.52)3 (7.32)6 (13.64)2 (28.58)13 (11.40)

Table 4 . Comparison on awareness of dental implant insurance recipiency by the age group (N=118).

FeatureN (%)

AgeUnder 6060s70s80s90s and olderTotalp-value
Insurance
recipiency
Living condition2 (40.00)7 (31.82)5 (12.20)16 (36.36)3 (42.86)33 (27.97)0.383
Age 65 years and
higher
2 (40.00)12 (54.55)31 (75.61)21 (47.73)3 (42.86)69 (58.48)
Disabilities in
movement
1 (20.00)1 (4.55)2 (4.88)5 (11.36)1 (14.29)10 (8.47)
Others-1 (4.55)3 (7.32)2 (4.55)-6 (5.08)
Opinion on
insurance
Exceptional-4 (19.05)3 (9.76)3 (6.82)-10 (8.47)0.002
Good1 (20.00)-13 (31.71)10 (22.73)1 (14.29)25 (21.19)
Mediocre3 (60.00)16 (76.19)21 (51.22)22 (50.00)1 (14.29)63 (53.39)
Not interested1 (20.00)1 (4.76)4 (9.76)9 (20.45)5 (71.43)20 (16.95)
Post hoc resultabcabbcc

Table 5 . Selection of hospitals and clinics by age (N=118).

FeatureN (%)

AgeUnder 6060s70s80s90s and olderTotalp-value
Preferred
location
Vicinity of
Hongseong-gun
2 (40.00)6 (28.57)19 (46.34)20 (45.45)6 (85.71)53 (44.92)0.218
Cities other
than Hongseong-gun
2 (40.00)6 (28.57)6 (14.63)6 (13.64)1 (14.29)21 (17.80)
Doesn't matter1 (20.00)9 (42.86)16 (39.02)18 (40.91)-44 (37.29)
Location
requirements
Recommended by
acquaintances
1 (20.00)5 (23.81)19 (46.34)15 (34.10)1 (14.29)46 (38.98)0.094
Near residence2 (40.00)13 (61.90)13 (31.71)26 (59.10)5 (71.43)59 (50.00)
Avoiding poor surgeon2 (40.00)3 (14.29)9 (21.95)3 (6.82)1 (14.29)18 (15.25)
Surrounding
requirements
Accessibility of
public transport
4 (80.00)17 (80.95)28 (68.29)30 (68.18)3 (42.86)82 (69.49)0.533
Proximity to guardian1 (20.00)4 (19.05)12 (29.27)11 (25.00)4 (57.14)32 (27.19)
Other--1 (2.44)3 (6.81)-4 (3.39)
Selection
requirements
Dentist's skills3 (60.00)15 (71.43)32 (78.05)30 (68.18)4 (57.14)84 (71.19)0.885
Treatment cost2 (40.00)6 (28.57)9 (21.95)13 (29.55)3 (42.86)33 (27.97)
Other---1 (2.27)-1 (0.84)
Proper distanceWithin 30 minutes1 (20.00)5 (23.81)19 (46.34)20 (45.45)5 (71.43)50 (42.37)0.277
Within 1 hour4 (80.00)11 (52.38)16 (39.02)16 (36.36)2 (28.57)49 (41.53)
Doesn't matter-5 (23.81)6 (14.63)8 (18.18)-19 (16.10)
Building
requirements
First floor3 (60.00)4 (19.05)16 (39.02)10 (22.73)6 (85.71)39 (33.05)0.002
Second floor1 (20.00)1 (5.76)1 (2.44)--3 (2.54)
Doesn't matter if
there is an elevator
1 (20.00)16 (76.19)24 (58.54)34 (77.27)1 (14.29)76 (64.41)
Post hoc resultabacabccd

References

  1. Oh SH, Lee YJ, Lee YJ, Lee JM, Lee JH, Kim SH. A study on the recognition about national health insurance coverage of denture, implant of elderly people. J Dent Hyg Sci. 2014;14:502-509.
    CrossRef
  2. Ahn E, Hwang JM, Shin MS. Dental utilization associated factors among elderly. J Dent Hyg Sci. 2015;15:60-66.
    CrossRef
  3. Kim SH, Lim SA, Park SJ, Kim DK. Assessment oral health-related quality of life using the oral health impact profile (OHIP). J Korean Acad Oral Health. 2004;28:559-569.
  4. Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The 5th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Cheongju: Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2012.
  5. Ministry of Health and Welfare. Medical benefit statistics for 2019.
  6. Yu SH, Kim YI, Lee HS. Oral health-related quality of life in the elderly with removable denture. J Korean Acad Oral Health. 2008;32:575-586.
  7. Kim YJ. Review for implant insurance in elderly. J Korean Acad Dent Insur. 2013;4:24-29.
  8. Esposito M, Grusovin MG, Coulthard P, Thomsen P, Worthington HV. A 5-year follow-up comparative analysis of the efficacy of various osseointegrated dental implant systems: a systematic review of randomized controlled clinical trials. Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants. 2005;20:557-568.
    Pubmed
  9. Kim SH, Kim SJ, Lee KW, Han DH. The effects of local factors on the survival of dental implants: a 19 year retrospective study. J Korean Acad Prosthodont. 2010;48:28-40.
    CrossRef
  10. Inglehart MR, Bagramian RA. Oral health related quality of life. Oral health related quality of life. Chicago (IL): Quintessence Publishing, 2002.
  11. Kim KW. Comparison of chewing ability and change in quality of life for implanted patients. Kyungsan: Yeungnam University; 2008.
  12. Park SY. The associated factors with use and intention of dental implant among some rural elderly. [doctoral dissertation]. Gwangju: Chosun University, 2017.
  13. Kim JE. Estimation of elderly residential location demand considering medical service accessibility. Seoul: Seoul National University; 2017.
  14. Ryu JI, Jeon JE. Utilization rate of dental implant for elderly in National Health Insurance in Korea. J Korean Dent Assoc. 2019;57:496-503.
  15. Litman, T. Evaluating public transportation health benefits. Victoria: Victoria Transport Policy Institute; 2010.
  16. Chae SI. Factors associated with unmet dental care needs of older adults. Suwon: Ajou University; 2013.

Stats or Metrics

Share this article on

  • line

Most KeyWord ?

What is Most Keyword?

  • It is most registrated keyword in articles at this journal during for 2 years.

Journal of Technologic Dentistry

eISSN 2288-5218
pISSN 1229-3954
qr-code Download