[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyesook] Starting in October, Incheon City will allow all 5th-grade elementary school students to use the 'Child Dental Primary Care' service regardless of whether the school authorities apply for it.
The Child Dental Primary Care project provides financial support for preventive oral care services targeting 5th-grade elementary school students, the period when permanent teeth are settling in.
Initially, the plan was to support the service in connection with school health checkups, and only 5th-grade children who pre-registered for this project could receive free oral examinations.
However, as the school's participation rate was low at 45%, the city changed the policy from October to allow all 5th-grade children to receive free examinations regardless of prior registration.
Students or their guardians can fill out a questionnaire through the smartphone application 'Denti-i', make a reservation in advance at participating dental medical institutions, and use the service. For more details, contact the local public health center.
An official from Incheon City stated, "Since teeth cannot regenerate once damaged, disease prevention through proper oral care is of utmost importance," and added, "We hope many 5th-grade elementary school students will participate in this professional oral care service without any cost burden."
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