Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dental health promotion activities at the worksite by analyzing dental and medical expenses and the number of visits made for dental and medical treatment. Methods: The subject group was composed of 357 male workers who were provided with a preventive dental care program at their workplace. A follow-up study of the number of dental health promotion activities made between 1992 and 1997 also accounted for dental expenses, medical expenses, dental and medical treatment visits between 1992 to 1998. Results: 1) Compared to the group making 0-1 visits, the group that participating in the preventive program 2-3 times and 4-6 times reduced their dental expenses and numbers of visits for dental treatment. 2) Moreover, medical expenses excluding dental expenses and the number of visits for medical treatment were also reduced. 3) Similarly, total medical expenses including dental expenses and the total number of visits for medical and dental treatment were also reduced. 4) The implementation of a preventive program taking 20 minutes and consisting of dental examinations, counseling and calculus scaling proved effective. Conclusion: The results suggest that worksite promotional activities for dental health promotion activities effectively reduce dental and medical expenses and the number of visits required for dental and medical treatment. This underscores the relationship between the comprehensive health care approach including dental health promotion and medical expenses.
