The Association between Dental Implant Treatment Experience and Socioeconomic Factors in Korean Adults: A Cross-Sectional Survey Data Analysis

Jin-Sun  Choi; Bo-Mi  Shin; Deok-Young  Park; Gun-Young Park; Yong-Keum  Choi

doi:10.18502/ijph.v51i2.8684

Jin-Sun Choi Department of Dental Hygiene, College of Dentistry, Gangneung-Wonju National University & Research Institute of Oral Science, Gangneung, South Korea
Bo-Mi Shin Department of Dental Hygiene, College of Dentistry, Gangneung-Wonju National University & Research Institute of Oral Science, Gangneung, South Korea
Deok-Young Park Department of Preventive and Public Health Dentistry, College of Dentistry, Gangneung-Wonju National University & Research Institute of Oral Science, Gangneung, South Korea
Gun-Young Park College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Anam-dong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Yong-Keum Choi Department of Dental Hygiene, College of Health Science and Genome-Based BioIT Convergence Institute, Sun Moon University, Asan 31460, Korea

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijph.v51i2.8684

Keywords: Dental implant; Socioeconomic factors; South Korea

Abstract

Background: We examined the Korean adults’ experience with dental implants and analyzed its association with various socioeconomic factors.

Methods: This study was based on the participants enrolled in the 2013-2015 KNHANES. Using the variables associated with dental implant treatment experience and other socioeconomic factors, we evaluated the statistical significance and potential associations between the dental implant treatment experience and its related factors. The final analysis in this study was performed on adults aged 20 yr and over. It comprised 4,893 subjects in the year 2013, 4,431 subjects in 2014, and 4,430 subjects in 2015.

Results: An increasing number of individuals had reported undergoing dental implant treatment. An older age was associated with a higher likelihood of undergoing dental implant treatment, particularly in adults aged ≥40 years. Additionally, the likelihood was higher in individuals with a greater income level, low-level of educational background, and married status. Factors that were observed to influence dental implant treatment experience included age, education level, income level, marital status.

Conclusion: Our analysis confirmed the growing accessibility to dental implants among Korean adults and an association between dental implant treatment experience and socioeconomic factors. We recommend a healthcare policy on dental implants that considers relevant socioeconomic factors, in order to provide dental implant treatment to individuals who are in absolute need of treatment.