• The Journal of the Korean dental association
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.6-11
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• 2010

Amid the rapid transitions in both local and international markets, the Korean dental industry is facing more challenges than at any time in its history. This paper tried to address some of the key issues faced by the industry as well as the policy issues and I direction of implementation that the Korean Dental Association (KDA) is expected to tackle. First, the direction of reforming the country's health insurance system was examined with emphasis on the expected changes in and improvement of the fee-for-service reimbursement system (FFSRS) and medical reimbursement system (MRS). With FFSRS, the most urgent issue would be ameliorating the current lop-sided, unreasonable reimbursement system that prevents suppliers from voicing their opinions. To help achieve that goal, the limited authority and responsibility of the president of National Health Insurance Corporation (NHIC) as one of the contract-making parties must be clarified. In addition, the functions of NHIC's Health Insurance Finance Committee must be restricted; at the same time, the panel organization of the Health Insurance Policy Review Committee needs to be reformed to embrace greater democracy. As with MRS, the government is considering a block budget bill to help promote efficiency in employing and managing the health insurance fund. Policymakers must understand that the implementation of such proposal could exacerbate an already dire situation. Improving MRS requires meeting the following preconditions: (a) the structurally vicious cycle of small charge-small salary needs to be resolved, and a certain percentage of fee raise must be guaranteed on a yearly basis to help adjust the fee system to a more realistic level; (b) the supply-and-demand balance in producing health care professionals must be improved including the prevention of oversupply of doctors, nurses, etc., and; (c) institutional strategies must be provided to enhance the quality of medical care and ensure academic advancement in health care disciplines.

• The Journal of the Korean dental association
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• v.55 no.2
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• pp.180-188
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• 2017

Introduction : Inadequate oral health control is a major risk of oral diseases. Regular home-based care is essential to maintain good oral hygiene. In particular, mouthrinses can support conventional tooth brushing in reducing accumulation of oral plaque. Effect : Antimicrobial mouthrinses are used as part of daily oral care to reduce plaque and gingivitis. Mouthrinses contains fluoride could help remineralization of enamel and dentin. The most common molecules contained in mouthrinses are chlorhexidine, essential oils, cetyl pyridinium chloride, triclosan, hyaluronic acid. Currently, chlorhexidine is the most efficacious compound, with both antiplaque and antibacterial activities. Similar results are reported for essential oils and cetyl pyridinium chloride, although with a somewhat reduced efficacy. Considering the adverse effects of chlorhexidine and its time-related characteristics, this molecule may best be indicated for acute/short term use, while essential oils and cetyl pyridinium chloride may be appropriate for long-term, maintenance treatment. Conclusion and suggestion : Antimicrobial mouthrinses are safe and effective, and when used in conjunction with brushing and flossing, they are an important method of reducing plaque and gingivitis. To improve compliance, dental health care professionals should adapt oral health care recommendations to fit patients' specific needs.

• Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.527-537
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• 2017

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the practice of oral hygiene behaviors and oral health status of long-term care facility residents and to analyze the factors related to salivary hemoglobin level which can predict active periodontal disease. Methods: From 30th October 2015 to 7th January 2016, a questionnaire was provided to 63 participants and their dental plaque and saliva samples were collected to assess the levels of salivary hemoglobin and dental plaque acidogenicity. In order to analyze the factors related to salivary hemoglobin level, multiple linear regression analysis was performed. Results: Toothbrushing was most frequently performed by the participants themselves (98.4%) and toothbrushing was performed after eating breakfast (81.3%). 68.8% of participants reported brushing their tongue. 35.9% of participants perceived having bad teeth, and 87.5% had high dental caries activity. The percentages of participants with hyposalivation and ${\geq}0.20{\mu}g/ml$ salivary hemoglobin level were 45.3% and 59.4%, respectively. The salivary hemoglobin level was significantly higher in the group in which stimulated salivary flow rate was ${\leq}0.70ml/min$, dental plaque acidogenicity was superior, and perceived having bad teeth (p<0.05). There was also a tendency for the salivary hemoglobin level to increase with age (p<0.05). Conclusions: Oral health status of the long-term care facility residents was still not improved, and the characteristics of salivary volume and dental plaque were important factors affecting salivary hemoglobin level. Therefore, it is necessary to operate an oral hygiene intervention program by oral health professionals in such facilities in order to provide residents with effective oral care aligned with their respective needs. Furthermore, it is necessary for caregivers to complete mandatory oral health education to improve the oral hygiene status of the long-term care facility residents.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.115-124
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• 2013

Recently, there have been improvements in diagnostic methods for the assessment of early caries lesions. The reason is that dental professionals are seeking methods to reliably detect incipient dental caries and to remineralize them. This review examines the literature on principles, theoretical background, and history of the Quantitative Light-Induced Fluorescence (QLF) system (Inspektor Research Systems BV, The Netherlands). Furthermore, this paper discusses the potential application of QLF system to clinical practice for educational purpose, enabling dental hygiene students to perform oral health assessment using the QLF system. In addition, the clinical application of QLF system can motivate patients by providing additional visual information about caries and bacterial activity. The evidences on validity and reliability of the QLF system for detection of longitudinal changes in de/remineralization and caries were examined. The QLF system is capable of monitoring and quantifying mineral changes in early caries lesions. Therefore, it can be used to assess the impacts of caries preventive measures on the remineralization and reversal of the caries process. And the QLF system is a very promising equipment to assess educational effectiveness for dental hygiene students in their learning process. In conclusion, the QLF system is the most effective technology for more sensitive staging of caries and treatment without surgical intervention.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.445-451
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• 2019

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and incidence of accidents with biological material, the level of knowledge, and compliance to standard precautions (SPs) among dentists, physicians, nurses, and dental and medical students. Methods: A closed cohort study with a prospective and retrospective component was conducted between August 2014 and September 2015. The participants were contacted in two moments during the follow-up period, during which a structured questionnaire divided into six sections was used; the interviews were conducted during the follow-up period (Month 6) and at the end of the observation period (Month 12). Results: The global prevalence of accidents in the previous 12 months was 10.2%, with a difference between professionals and students (13.0% vs. 5.1%, respectively; p < 0.003). The incidence rate was 6.49 per 100 person/year, with difference between the groups (6.09 per 100 person/year in professionals and 7.26 per 100 person/year in students), type of specialization (hazard ratio, 3.27), and hours worked per week (hazard ratio, 2.27). The mean of compliance to SP was 31.99 (±3.85) points, with a median of 33 (30, 35) points against the expected 27.75 points. Adherence to SP was associated with the accident report (p < 0.020). Conclusion: We conclude that the proportion/incidence rate of accidents with biological material was high in relation to that in the literature, being higher in professionals and especially among physicians. The levels of knowledge and adherence to SP were good, with the best found in dentists and dental students.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.6
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• pp.2611-2617
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• 2012

Introduction: To curb the ever growing menace of tobacco and its ill effects, it is essential to prevent its usage. Dental professionals' contributions can be invaluable in this venture. Objectives: To assess Indian dental graduates' knowledge, attitude and practices towards tobacco cessation; perceived effectiveness in pursuing tobacco cessation activities; perception of factors that interfere in tobacco cessation as barriers; and willingness to participate in tobacco cessation. Further, to determine associations among the aforementioned variables. Methodology: All house surgeons in Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal University, Mangalore were included in the study. A structured, pre-tested and self-administered questionnaire was employed to assess participants' knowledge, attitude, behavior, perceived effectiveness, perceived barriers and willingness to participate in tobacco cessation. Information regarding respondents' age, gender and residence was collected. Results: A total of 100 out of 103 respondents participated in the study. Mean knowledge, attitude, behavior, perceived effectiveness, perceived barrier scores were $17.6{\pm}2.53$ (73.2%), $72.1{\pm}6.59$ (90.2%), $28.3{\pm}5.12$ (67.4%), $13.3{\pm}5.36$ (53.16%) and $35.0{\pm}3.79$ (89.8%) respectively. Overall, 97% respondents were willing to participate in tobacco cessation activities. Correlation analysis revealed that knowledge was associated with attitude (r=0.36, p=0.00) and perceived barriers (r=0.34, p=0.00) and behavior was associated with perceived barriers (r=0.22, p=0.03). Conclusions: Respondents reported high knowledge and attitude scores, along with high perceived barriers scores and willingness to participate in tobacco cessation activities. Present study highlights the need for a more meaningful involvement of dental professionals in tobacco cessation and has policy implications for curriculum changes regarding the same.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.49 no.2
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• pp.40-42
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• 2024

Hyperparathyroidism (HPT) is a significant condition marked by the overproduction of parathyroid hormones, affecting both systemic health and orofacial regions. Predominantly, secondary HPT associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is critical because of its link to widespread conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. This short article highlights the vital role of dental professionals in identifying HPT through panoramic radiography, which can reveal critical orofacial signs such as brown tumors, altered dental development, and specific bone changes. With the CKD prevalence expected to increase alongside an aging population, the importance of early detection of HPT and its manifestations in dental settings cannot be overstated. Dental practitioners play a crucial role in the early detection of HPT, emphasizing the importance of being knowledgeable about its orofacial manifestations.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.154-168
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• 2023

Background: Legal regulations and fees have been established in Korea to provide visiting oral health care services to individuals with long-term care insurance (LTCI). However, beneficiaries of this service are very limited. Therefore, to improve the Korean system we propose a comparative analysis with the Japanese system. Methods: This study is a descriptive analysis based on secondary data, such as statistics, laws, and service record forms from Korea and Japan. The most recent institutional documents were obtained through a Google search. The variables investigated were financial resources of LTCI, co-payment structure, monthly limit of LTCI benefits, care levels of LTCI, service providers, service costs, contents of service, and the number of cases of service. Results: In both Korea and Japan, LTCI is financed through a combination of taxes and insurance premiums. However, the monthly limit for receiving LTCI services in Japan is about 2.4 times higher than in Korea. Visiting medical and dental treatment is also possible in Japan. Furthermore, nursing staff can provide daily oral health care services according to dental hygienists' instruction unlike Korea. Oral health care services in Korea are focused on oral hygiene and prevention of oral diseases, while Japan additionally provides oral function screening, patient education for oral health management, and training for nursing staff to enhance oral function, eating, and swallowing of the patients. Conclusion: We concluded that the possibility of visiting dental treatment, differences in monthly limit of LTCI benefits, oral function assessment and guidance, as well as collaboration with other healthcare professionals contributed to the difference in the frequency of utilization of visiting oral health care services between Korea and Japan.

• Journal of Wellbeing Management and Applied Psychology
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• v.6 no.4
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• pp.41-50
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• 2023

Purpose: As life expectancy increases and interest in oral health increases, the opportunity to visit the dentist increases. To provide safe dental care for elderly patients and accurately identify their needs. We aim to understand the impact of knowledge, image, and empathy for the elderly on communication skills. Research design, data, and methodology: This study conducted an online survey using a convenience sample of 201 dental hygienists working in dental hospitals and clinics from October 4 to October 6, 2023. The purpose of the survey was explained and consent was obtained in the research consent form before being conducted. Results: Differences in knowledge, image, empathy, and communication skills among the elderly include age, clinical experience, need for elderly-related education, and confidence in oral care in elderly patients with systemic diseases (p<0.05, p<0.01, p<0.001). The factor affecting communication skills toward the elderly was empathy (t=15.416(0.000^***)). Conclusions: Through this study, the communication skills with the elderly is a basic quality and attitude that dental hygienists must have. Therefore, it is essential to develop and implement empathy and communication skills training programs for dental hygienists, which can significantly contribute to fostering a positive trust-based relationship between elderly patients and dental professionals. This proactive measure is crucial in preparing for the upcoming era of an increasingly aged society.

• Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
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• v.22 no.5
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• pp.425-435
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• 2022

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the opinions of registered dental hygienists (RDH) and dental hygiene students (DHS), professionals who can practice visiting oral health care (VOHC), and the demand for specialized training courses of RDH for VOHC. Methods: Using a Google online survey, 125 RDH and 106 DHS personnel were surveyed on their perception of VOHC and the operation of special training courses. Results: RDH (97.6%) and DHS (96.1%) agreed that they needed VOHC for older people. Moreover, the qualification course for specialized training for VOHC was considered necessary. Regarding the appropriate curriculum, RDH preferred training programs comprising 2-hours classes over 6 months and 15 weeks and so on, and DHS preferred 3 hours classes over 6 months and 15 weeks and so on. Regarding the desired working type, the RDH preferred the half-day system, whereas the DHS preferred the alternate-day system. The Korean Dental Hygienists Association was intended for human resource development. They agreed that continuing education was necessary when working as a visiting RDH, and many responded that they would participate if a specialized training course was opened. Conclusions: RDH and DHS have a high level of awareness of the importance and necessity of VOHC, and consider a specialized training qualification course necessary for efficient VOHC.