A student receives care under Seoul's 'children's dental care doctor' program. [Seoul Metropolitan Government]
A student receives care under Seoul's 'children's dental care doctor' program. [Seoul Metropolitan Government]

The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced Sunday that it is running a "children's dental care doctor" program for roughly 350,000 elementary school students across all grade levels during the summer vacation, offering cavity screenings, lifestyle education and fluoride treatments.

While routine school dental checkups focus on detecting existing cavities, the dental care doctor program has dentists regularly monitor each student's oral health, providing preventive care and guidance on improving daily habits.

Participating students receive one session per semester covering cavity and bite assessments, dental plaque tests, oral health education and fluoride application. According to the KDCA's 2024 Children's Oral Health Survey, 58.3 percent of 12-year-olds in Seoul had experienced cavities in their permanent teeth — meaning roughly 6 in 10 students had either developed cavities or received treatment for them.

At a clinic-level dental practice, the full cost of a single visit is 48,160 won ($33), with national health insurance covering 90 percent, leaving students with an out-of-pocket payment of 4,810 won. Near-poverty households and medical aid recipients can use the service free of charge. About 1,000 dental clinics and hospitals across Seoul are taking part in this year's program, which runs through February next year.

Seoul launched the program in 2024 targeting first- and fourth-graders, expanded it last year to include second- and fifth-graders, and has now extended it to all grade levels this year. Since July 2024, more than 36,000 students have received checkups.

Students wishing to participate can apply in advance through the National Health Insurance Service website or mobile app, or register in person at a participating clinic.

Separately, Seoul also runs a program providing up to 400,000 won per child in dental treatment costs for vulnerable children under 18 who use community child centers and welfare facilities.

Children with severe disabilities who cannot be treated at local dental clinics are referred to Seoul National University Dental Hospital, where they can receive up to 2.5 million won in treatment support.

"We hope children will take advantage of the summer vacation to receive preventive dental care through the dental care doctor service and develop good oral hygiene habits," said Jo Yeong-chang, director of the Seoul Metropolitan Government's Citizen Health Bureau.


ken@heraldcorp.com