Assessing the Impacts of COVID-19 on Routine Dental Care Utilization Among South Koreans, Korean Immigrants and Korean Americans

This study analyzed the different impacts of COVID-19 on dental care utilization in South Koreans living in Korea, Korean Immigrants in America, and Korean Americans. Many variables were looked at, observing how cultural differences between South Korea and the United States may impact other dental habits. These variables included: COVID impact, brushing and flossing habits, individually ranked general health and dental health, personal opinion of the dentist and dental health, routine dental care and time between last visit, dental insurance, and sociodemographic factors. A binational survey was opened and distributed for five consecutive weeks with both an English and Korean version available. Recruitment for the survey was conducted through the convenient sampling method. An analysis of the weighted descriptive statistics data found that Korean Immigrants felt the greatest negative impact on dental visits due to COVID (59.3%) compared to Koreans in Korea and Korean Americans subgroups. Koreans in Korea had the largest number of participants exceeding the recommended six months since their last dental visit (56.7%) and Koreans in Korea were also least likely to have additional dental insurance (25.3%), as their national healthcare program covers general cleanings. Koreans in Korea had the largest proportion of unfavorable attitudes towards the dentist (29.3%), possibly giving indication into why they had the smallest number seeing the dentist every six months. The majority of participants, regardless of residency or immigration status, cited “fear of contracting COVID” for why they had gone to the dentist less frequently, among other reasons. Understanding these habits will allow for more personalized care for specific groups. Both Korean Americans and Korean immigrants may more consistently go to their routine dental care visits, possibly due to their paid dental insurance encouraging them to stay accountable.