J Public Health Dent. 2026 Mar 10. doi: 10.1111/jphd.70052. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: This study examined the effects of dental sealant insurance coverage on trends in pit and fissure sealant (PFS) use, decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) rates, and filled teeth (FT) rates among Korean adolescents, using data from the Korean Youth Risk Behavior Survey (2005-2024) and the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007-2015).
METHODS: Data from participants aged 12-18 years were analyzed. The proportion of PFS use referred to the proportion of respondents who answered “yes” to the question “Have you received PFS in the past 12 months?” in the survey. DMFT and FT were classified based on oral examination criteria from 2007 to 2015. Statistical analyses were conducted using Joinpoint regression (version 4.8.0.1) and PROC SURVEYLOGISTIC in SAS 9.4 to estimate the annual percent change (APC), odds ratios, and 95% confidence intervals.
RESULTS: PFS use increased until 2018 (APC = +1.5%) and declined slightly thereafter until 2024, whereas DMFT and FT rates decreased from 2007 to 2015. Dental sealant insurance coverage was significantly associated with higher PFS use and lower DMFT and FT rates (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: Dental sealant insurance coverage effectively improved oral health and reduced dental caries among Korean adolescents.
PMID:41807286 | DOI:10.1111/jphd.70052
