The financial estimation of fluoride application coverage for children and adolescents / 대한구강보건학회지

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to estimate the financial budget of fluoride application in the National Health Insurance.METHODS: The amount of fluoride application was calculated by using the sealant rate (utilization rate 1), dental examination rate (utilization rate 2), and the average rate of these two (utilization rate 3) in children and adolescents. For the next five years, 100% of the existing fees were applied to estimate the financial budget.RESULTS: The total budget for children and adolescents was estimated to be 22.0 billion won minimum and 83.5 billion won maximum in the first year, and 104.8 billion won minimum and 398.5 billion won maximum up to the next five years. Moreover, in high risk groups, the total budget was estimated to be 4.2 billion won minimum and 16.1 billion won maximum in the first year, and 18.6 billion won minimum and 70.8 billion won maximum up to the next five years.CONCLUSIONS: The financial budget of fluoride application coverage for children and adolescents was similar or lower than that of the current dental sealants. It needs to implement promptly with the reason of financial saving over the long-term point of view. Based on this evidence, it is affordable and necessary to begin to promote oral health for children and adolescents.