National Dental Scaling Subsidy: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how to access your yearly subsidized dental cleaning in South Korea to keep your teeth healthy for a small cost.
This scheme provides a financial subsidy through the national health system to help cover the cost of professional dental cleanings once every year.
Who it's for
This benefit is available to anyone who is over the age of 19. If you have reached this age, you are eligible to access the subsidized cleaning service to help manage your oral hygiene and prevent long-term dental issues.
What you get
You are eligible for one subsidized dental cleaning per year. This service is designed to help citizens maintain their dental health through regular professional cleaning, which is covered under the national health insurance framework.
What it costs you
While the government provides a subsidy to lower the price, the service is not entirely free. You will still be responsible for paying a portion of the cost out of your own pocket. Based on current rates, you can expect to pay approximately ₩15,000-₩20,000 at the time of your appointment.
The catch to know
The most important thing to remember is that you must be proactive when visiting the clinic. You must specifically ask the dental staff for the "insurance-covered" cleaning. If you do not request the specific insurance-covered version, you might be charged the full private price instead of the subsidized rate.
How to apply
- Locate a dental clinic in your area that accepts the national health insurance provided by the National Health Insurance Service.
- Contact the clinic to schedule an appointment specifically for a dental scaling.
- When you arrive or during the booking process, explicitly ask the staff to process the cleaning as an "insurance-covered" service.
- Complete your dental cleaning and pay the remaining small co-payment at the clinic's reception.