Abstract
Objectives. We surveyed dentist opinions and provide information on a proper private enterprise insurance system. Methods. Using a proportional quota system, we surveyed total 15 dentists from 2008 list of Korean Dental Association members. The quotas were composed of 8 metropolitan, 5 medium-sized cities, and 2 Eup-Myun areas (small towns). Qualitative research methods, including focus group interviews, were used to identify dentist opinions on the introduction of a private enterprise insurance system, key elements of private enterprise insurance (such as benefits of the insurance, payment, etc), other considerations of dental care service, and clinical dental ethics in private enterprise insurance. To estimate the proportion of uninsured benefits, data from dental clinics were collected by a self-recorded check list for dental treatment in January and September, 2009. Results. Most participants were concerned about patient adverse selection and moral hazard through the introduction of a private enterprise insurance system. General dentists think they must reflect specialist opinions on the developments of private insurance. Most participants think that political intervention and management are needed to develop the appropriate private enterprise insurance system. Results from private dental clinics show that the number of uninsured benefits was almost double insured benefits. Conclusions. The proper development of private enterprise insurance requires improvement of insurance qualifications, the right and duty of insured persons, and insurance management.