• Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
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• v.15 no.5
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• pp.787-795
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• 2015

Objectives: The purpose of the study is to investigate the degree of disparity in unmet dental care needs in Korean adults. Methods: Using data from the 5th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 9,573 adults between 25-54 years old were selected. The reason for unmet dental care needs was analyzed by chi square test and logistic regression analysis. Results: Those having unmet oral health care needs accounted for 41.3%. The majority of the reason (1,036 persons) was "busy with school or work" and the second reason was financial burden (1,028 persons). Those who were female individuals (OR: 1.14, CI: 1.02-1.27), having higher income (OR: 0.85, CI: 0.72-0.99), and perceiving poor oral health status (OR: 5.68, CI: 4.64-6.95). Conclusions: It is necessary to extend and implement the nationwide public assistance of dental care services among the second-to-the bottom and low income people.