The dentists' perceptions and current prosthodontic treatment status for the disabled in Korea / 대한치과보철학회지

ABSTRACT

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: In spite of increasing dental treatment for the disabled, there was no collected data on prosthodontic treatment status and dentists' perceptions in Korea. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to research the dentists' perceptions about current prosthodontic treatment status for the disabled in Korea and to suggest public health policies for the disabled. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Total of 68 dentists who have regularly treated the disabled were asked to fill questionnaires regarding prosthodontic treatment for the disabled. RESULTS: 1. 45.6% of dentists felt the necessity of an esthetic prosthesis for the disabled. However, 54.3% of dentists reported the improvement of access to implant,orthodontic and esthetic treatment is needed. 2. Most (79.4%) of the dentists thought it is imperative for the government to support the disabled to maintain adequate oral health by providing at least 50% of charge in their prosthesis. CONCLUSION: Through this research, 97.1% of dentists answered that the current prosthodontic treatment status for the disabled in Korea is poor. This indicated the necessity of the financial support from the government for the disabled.