4 out of 10 South Koreans cite cost as the primary reason for hesitating to get dental implants. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Jun. 26 (Korea Bizwire) – A recent survey has revealed that 4 out of 10 South Koreans cite cost as the primary reason for hesitating to get dental implants, with most respondents considering 500,000 to 600,000 won per implant as a reasonable price.
The Korean Association of Medical Journalists (KAMJ) conducted the survey from May 27 to June 6, polling 1,227 adults on their perceptions of dental implant treatments and costs. The findings were presented on June 24 at a symposium titled “Understanding Dental Implant Treatment in a Super-Aged Society,” jointly hosted by the KAMJ and the Korean Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Implantology (KAOMI) at the Korea Press Center in Seoul.
According to the survey, 67.2% of respondents ranked the reliability of the dental clinic as the most crucial factor when considering implant treatment. The brand of the implant and cost followed at 16.7% and 15.9%, respectively.
When asked about reasons for hesitating to undergo implant treatment, 39% of respondents cited cost concerns. Other factors included anxiety or fear about the treatment (28.9%), worries about side effects (14.5%), and the length of the treatment period (9.9%).
Despite these concerns, satisfaction rates among those who have received implants were generally high.
Of the 793 respondents who reported having undergone implant treatment, 69.7% expressed satisfaction with the functionality of their implants, with 21.7% being “very satisfied” and 48% “satisfied.”
However, there’s a significant disparity between what South Koreans consider a reasonable price for an implant and the actual cost.
While 40.8% of respondents believed 500,000 to 600,000 won per implant was appropriate, the typical price at dental clinics is around 1.3 million won. Only 9.3% of respondents thought prices over 1 million won were reasonable.
The survey also addressed concerns about “dumping dentistry,” where some clinics advertise unrealistically low prices, with 45.7% of respondents saying that proper guidance on correct implant procedures and fair pricing was necessary to prevent potential harm to patients.
Additionally, 18.9% called for the publication of a list of “ethical dentists” certified by relevant organizations.
You Tae-young, public relations director of the Korean Dental Association, expressed concern over the rise in illegal medical advertising that lures patients with low-cost implants.
“This not only harms consumers but also undermines trust in dentistry,” You said.
He pledged that the association would take strong action, including reporting dental clinics that repeatedly engage in illegal advertising practices.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
