Abstract
Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effect of COVID-19 on the dental treatment of patients with disabilities. Methods: The Korea Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service provided data on the National Dental Insurance for the dental treatment of patients with special health care needs (brain disorder, intellectual disability, mental disability, and autistic disorder). These data included the treatment information, number of patients, and billing statements for those who underwent dental treatment from September 2016 to August 2020. Results: Following the first report of COVID-19 in Korea, the number of patients decreased by approximately 30.6% from January 2020 to March 2020. However, in April, the number of patients visiting dental institutions increased by about 25.7%, and this trend continued. When comparing the ratio of dental treatment by region, the rate of dental treatment decreased by approximately 56.3% in Daegu, where the number of confirmed COVID-19 patients increased sharply in February 2020, but the number of patients also increased after April as well. Conclusions: COVID-19 had a short-term effect on the dental treatment of the disabled, but the long-term impact was limited. Comprehensive efforts are needed to improve dental services for people with disabilities and ultimately promote oral health.
Figures & Tables
Figure 1. Flow chart for the study’s analysis