Work

Perceptions of consumers and oral health professionals on domiciliary oral healthcare as an emerging model of oral health service delivery in Korea: a cross-sectional web-based survey

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Older adults with mobility and functional limitations frequently experience unmet oral healthcare needs due to barriers in accessing clinic-based dental services. As Korea entered a super-aged society in 2024 and was preparing to implement the Care Integration Support Act in 2026, domiciliary oral healthcare emerged as a potential strategy to improve access and equity. However, empirical evidence on stakeholder perceptions remains limited. A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted with consumers aged ≥ 50 years ( n = 593) and oral health professionals ( n = 216) in Korea. Quantitative data on perceptions of service necessity, target populations, service scope, staffing, and cost-sharing were analysed using descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis, independent t-tests, and effect sizes (Cohen’s d ), with Holm adjustment applied for multiple item-level comparisons. In addition, free-text responses from dentists were analysed using inductive content analysis to provide supplementary contextual information on perceived barriers and requirements for implementation. Both consumers and professionals agreed on the necessity of domiciliary oral healthcare. However, substantial perceptual gaps emerged. Consumers favoured broader eligibility and inclusion of restorative and prosthetic treatments, whereas professionals preferred selective targeting and more limited service scope. The largest group differences were observed for universal provision to all older adults ( d = 0.68), inclusion of restorative care ( d = 0.93), and simple prosthetic treatment ( d = 0.60). These differences remained statistically significant after Holm adjustment. Qualitative analysis identified seven themes, including realistic reimbursement, establishment of a formal public scheme, concerns regarding effectiveness and necessity, clear eligibility criteria, legal and safety protections for providers, defined treatment boundaries, and adequate portable equipment. Although domiciliary oral healthcare was generally perceived as necessary by both stakeholder groups in Korea, differences were identified between consumer expectations and professionals’ perceptions, particularly regarding service eligibility and treatment scope. These findings provide stakeholder-informed evidence to inform the early development of domiciliary oral healthcare policy in Korea. Further research is needed to evaluate clinical effectiveness, operational feasibility, and cost-effectiveness before broader implementation.

Source: BMC Oral Health

DOI: 10.1186/s12903-026-10211-x

Authors: Sunwoo Park, Sol Han, Jiyoung Son, Bo-Hyoung Jin

Institutions: Seoul National University, Shinhan University

Language: English

Topic: Dental Health and Care Utilization

Subfield: Periodontics

Field: Dentistry

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,190