Abstract
Objectives: This study was performed to enhance a rate of tooth scaling and to develop the scaling-related education material, by analyzing the knowledge attitudes toward and the rates and related factors of tooth scaling. Methods: From September to October 2008, self-administered questionnaires on the knowledge of, attitudes toward and behaviors for tooth scaling were performed, targeting 479 workers(251 men and 228 women) who worked at eight workplace sampled at random of Gyeongsan and Yeongcheon areas in Gyeongsangbuk-do province. Results: Tooth scaling experiences were responded by 328 subjects(68.6 %). One hundred seventy seven subjects(54%) received tooth scaling “by self-decision”, which shows the highest rate of treatment motives. Non-experience in scaling was responded by 151 subjects(31.4%), 71(47.3%) of whom answered they had “no necessity for such treatment”. Age and monthly income had significant associations with scaling experiences. The knowledge of scaling showed significant differences in point, depending on age and monthly income, depending on general characteristics. Susceptibility, benefit and cue of action toward their oral health showed significant differences in point between scaling experience and non-experience groups. According to the multiple logistic regression analysis whose dependent variables was tooth scaling experience, significant independent variables were age, education level(reference: junior high schools and lower), income(reference: 3 million won or more), susceptibility, benefit. Conclusions: According to the findings, it is necessary to publicize the necessity of tooth scaling and to encourage people to receive regular scaling treatment by distributing the knowledge indispensible for scaling using the mass media and by causing the changes in the perception of scaling. In addition, the policy is needed to prevent economic constraints from worsening oral health by supporting the poor.