INVESTIGATION OF THE SYSTEM OF PAID MICROSCOPIC DENTAL TREATMENT BASED ON APPOINTMENT AT A DENTAL HOSPITAL IN JAPAN

Abstract

Our hospital began paid dental treatments based on appointment in 2012. In this system, the patient pays the treatment and appointment fees at each visit. Appointment fees are not covered by health insurance. This was the first such system approved by the director of the Social Insurance Office of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in Japan. We investigated how many patients visited our hospital, where they were from, and the reasons why they needed microscopic endodontic therapy. Results showed that in 2012 and 2013, a total of 94 and 102 patients, respectively, visited our hospital after receiving a referral letter for microscopic endodontic treatment. The most common reason was root canal re-treatment. Endodontic treatment is very difficult if a microscope is not available because dentists must then use the naked eye. Many patients in Japan require accurate diagnosis and treatment using a microscope; therefore, it is desirable that every dental clinic in Japan be able to provide their patients with microscopic therapy, if necessary.