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[KNUH No.269 Information] Three Out of Four Young Adults Skip Free National Dental Checkups
작성자 : 영자신문
작성일 : 2026-06-19 12:12:44
조회 : 98
Three Out of Four Young Adults Skip Free National Dental Checkups
A student at Gangneung Campus recently visited a dental clinic for cavity treatment and only then learned that she had been eligible for a free national dental checkup. Although the service was available at no cost, she was unaware of the program itself.
According to data from the National Health Insurance Service, the dental checkup rate among people aged 20 to 24 is about 24 percent. This means that nearly three out of four young adults do not receive the national dental examination.
Compared to the checkup rate of about 39 percent among those under 19, participation drops sharply in the 20–24 age group, reaching one of the lowest points on the graph. The rate then rises again to around 38 percent among those aged 25–29. This shows that young adults in their early twenties have a relatively low participation rate compared to other age groups.
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During their school years, students often receive regular health checkup information through schools. However, once they enter university, their situation changes. Students must check their eligibility and make appointments on their own. As a result, many miss the examination period or are not aware of the program at all.
University students are also busy with classes, assignments, exams, extracurricular activities, and part-time jobs. Because of their schedules, they often postpone health care. In addition, many people think that dental treatment is expensive and only visit a dentist when they feel pain.
However, oral diseases are much easier and less costly to treat when they are detected early. A small cavity can usually be treated with a simple procedure, but if left untreated, it may require a root canal, tooth extraction, or even dental implants.
Experts in oral health point out that promotion of the program for young adults remains insufficient. Currently, information about national health examinations is mainly delivered through text messages. However, there is limited promotion through social media platforms and university websites, which are commonly used by college students.
In fact, many students say they did not know that the National dental checkup was free or where they could receive it. This shows that even though the program exists, many young adults are not aware of it.
Students can check their eligibility through the National Health Insurance Service’s website or mobile application and receive a free dental examination at designated dental clinics.
University life can make it easy to put off health care, but regular dental checkups may help students detect problems before pain and costly treatment becomes necessary.
Jang Hyeseung
<jangbanjang3@naver.com>