In Korea, the prevalence of dental caries is considered to be disproportionately high in rural area. This oral health disparity between urban and rural area is likely to exist in Kangnung-city. This study aimed to examine public dental health problems and to help setting priorities of dental health programs of Kangnung-city.
One dentist conducted dental examination and data were obtained from population of 12 year-Olds in Kangnung-city(2,948 person). Intraexaminer reliability on the status of tooth surface was assessed using kappa index(k=0.93). We examined the population data, dental caries experience, sealants placement experience, and distribution of dental health care institutions relevant to the geographical distribution of oral health care in Kangnung-city. Results were summarized and presented by geographic information system(GIS) techniques.
In spite of severe disparity of geographical accessibility to oral health care between urban and rural area, DMFF index was not different significantly and slightly higher in urban area. However, DT rate was significantly higher in rural area than that of urban area. Rate of subjects who experienced sealants placement was different by areas. We could find low primary preventive activities, and low secondary preventive activities in several areas. Activities of public oral health sector should be promoted to improve oral health by prevention-oriented public oral health programs. Geographic information system was useful to summarize and compare various data relevant to oral health disparity.
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