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PURPOSE: This study aimed to propose a revision of the evaluation objectives of the Korean Dentist Clinical Skill Test by analyzing the opinions of those involved in the examination after a review of those objectives. METHODS: The clinical skill test objectives were reviewed based on the national-level dental practitioner competencies, dental school educational competencies, and the third dental practitioner job analysis. Current and former examinees were surveyed about their perceptions of the evaluation objectives. The validity of 22 evaluation objectives and overlapping perceptions based on area of specialty were surveyed on a 5-point Likert scale by professors who participated in the clinical skill test and dental school faculty members. Additionally, focus group interviews were conducted with experts on the examination. RESULTS: It was necessary to consider including competency assessments for "emergency rescue skills" and "planning and performing prosthetic treatment." There were no significant differences between current and former examinees in their perceptions of the clinical skill test's objectives. The professors who participated in the examination and dental school faculty members recognized that most of the objectives were valid. However, some responses stated that "oromaxillofacial cranial nerve examination," "temporomandibular disorder palpation test," and "space management for primary and mixed dentition" were unfeasible evaluation objectives and overlapped with dental specialty areas. CONCLUSION: When revising the Korean Dentist Clinical Skill Test's objectives, it is advisable to consider incorporating competency assessments related to "emergency rescue skills" and "planning and performing prosthetic treatment."

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BACKGROUND: In South Korea, dental sealant was included in the National Health Insurance Services (NHIS) coverage for the first molar for ages 6-14 in December 2009. The second molar was included in 2012, and the age of insurance coverage was extended to under 18 in 2013. This study aimed to verify the effectiveness of an NHIS dental sealant coverage policy for children and adolescents by comparing the changes in first molar oral health indicators before and after policy implementation. METHODS: The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data were analyzed; the fourth period (2007-2009) provided data for before and the sixth period (2013-2015) provided data for after policy implementation. The proportion of individuals with first-molar sealant, decay-missing-filled first molar permanent teeth, and single crowns in the group aged 11-20 years were calculated. Data were analyzed using chi-square for complex samples and the complex samples general linear model. In addition, complex-sample logistic regression analysis was performed to confirm the association between factors. RESULTS: Compared with non-beneficiaries, among policy beneficiaries, sealant ownership increased by 7.7% (from 27.8 to 35.5, P < 0.001), and the number of permanent teeth with sealant per capita increased by approximately 0.4 to 0.8 (P < 0.001). The proportion of individuals with decay-missing-filled permanent teeth decreased by 9.1% (from 68.4 to 59.3, P < 0.001), and the average decay-missing-filled permanent teeth index per person decreased by approximately 2.0 to 1.5 (P < 0.001). The rate of single-crown holders decreased by 2.7% (from 8.7 to 6.0, P > 0.05), and the average single-crown index decreased by approximately 0.11 to 0.08 per person(P > 0.05). The number of sealants increased with age and household income (P < 0.001). The mother's education level affected sealant experience (P < 0.05). The caries rate was higher in females and older respondents (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The sealant covered by NHIS contributed to decreasing dental caries in Korea. However, policies that can reduce oral health inequality should also be considered, and a follow-up study is required for long-term sealant maintenance in Korea.

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BACKGROUND: Previous studies have reported a lack of knowledge and misinformation about oral cancer, its risk factors, and preventive methods among the general public. This study evaluated the quality, completeness, and accuracy of oral cancer information in 26 health education (elementary to high school) textbooks. METHODS: Twenty-six health education textbooks were purchased and evaluated. RESULTS: A deficiency in the amount, accuracy, and quality of oral cancer information in grade school and high school textbooks was evident. CONCLUSION: Current health texts do not provide adequate information to educate future adults about oral cancer prevention and early detection.

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OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of early childhood caries (ECC), including noncavitated lesions (d1), in children 6-59 months of age in relation to socioeconomic factors, feeding practices, and oral health behaviors in Seoul, Korea. METHODS: The children attended child care facilities and were selected from 32 primary sampling units. Two dentists examined 470 children. Parents of 383 of the subjects were interviewed by phone regarding caries risk factors. RESULTS: For children 6-59 months of age, the prevalence of ECC and severe ECC were 56.5 percent and 47.0 percent respectively. In bivariate analysis, the children whose nursing bottle contained sweetened solution had higher severe ECC prevalence (P=.035), and children whose parents reported a lower frequency of between-meal snacks showed lower ECC prevalence (P=.046). By logistic regression analysis, age and frequency of between-meal snacks were associated with the prevalence of ECC (P<.05). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that the prevalence of ECC was high among children in Seoul. Early educational intervention programs for pregnant women and mothers of young children should be developed based on the risk factors identified in this study.

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