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ISSN : 0376-4672
The rapid advancement of dental science in South Korea, often referred to as “K-Dentistry,” highlights the grow- ing importance of research-driven dental education and workforce development. Despite the increasing demand for dental healthcare services due to aging populations, the domestic training system for dentist-scientists re- mains insufficient compared to its medical counterpart. Physician-scientist training programs, particularly the MD-PhD model, have successfully integrated clinical practice with biomedical research, providing a valuable framework for developing dentist-scientist training programs (DDS-PhD). However, previous efforts to establish DDS-PhD programs in South Korea have faced significant challenges, including high tuition costs, a lack of insti- tutional support, and the tendency of graduates to enter private practice rather than research. This article reviews domestic and international physician-scientist training programs and research trends to propose a structured framework for training dentist-scientists. By benchmarking successful MD-PhD and DDS-PhD models from lead- ing countries, we aim to identify key strategies for fostering interdisciplinary research, strengthening financial and institutional support, and enhancing collaboration between universities, hospitals, and industry. Additionally, this study examines the role of the recently established National Institute of Dental Research in facilitating policy development and innovation in dental science. The findings of this research provide actionable insights for poli- cymakers and educators to establish a sustainable training system for dentist-scientists, ensuring the integration of clinical expertise with research innovation to advance global oral healthcare and treatment solutions. (J Korean Dent Assoc 2025; 63(4): 117-128
Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the differences in oral health office systems related to the dental examina- tion results of two institutions in Jeonju, Korea Materials and Methods: This study analyzed dental examination data from Dongamchadol school and Eunhwa school, provided by the Jeonju Public Health Center. The variables included the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index, decayed, missing, and filled (DMF) rate, decayed teeth (DT) rate, missing teeth (MT) rate, and filled teeth (FT) rate. Longitudinal changes and a cross-sectional analysis were performed to compare dental health patterns between Dongamchadol and Eunhwa school. Results: The DT, MT, and FT rates at Dongamchadol school remained relatively stable from middle 2019 to middle 2023, with a consistently low DMFT index and DMF rate over time. In contrast, Eunhwa school showed fluctua- tions in all rates with reductions in the DMFT index and DMF rate. When comparing the two schools, the DMFT index was consistently higher at Eunhwa school, while DMF rate experienced a decline, ultimately dropping below that of Dongamchadol school by middle 2023. Conclusion: Continuous management through consistent oral health care policies seems essential for effective oral health management in special schools.. (J Korean Dent Assoc 2025; 63(4): 129-136)
Degenerative joint disease (DJD) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a progressive disorder marked by carti- lage degradation and bone deterioration, leading to chronic pain and dysfunction. While conventional therapies such as occlusal splints, medication, physical therapy, and intra-articular injections aim to alleviate symptoms, they lack regenerative capability. This report showed the potential of prolotherapy, a regenerative injection treat- ment that stimulates tissue repair, in TMJ DJD patients. Four individuals received 2 or 3 prolotherapy sessions using polydeoxyribonucleotide and 20% dextrose at 3-week intervals, alongside conservative care. Outcomes were evaluated via pain intensity (VAS), maximum mouth opening (MMO), joint noise, and radiographic imaging. All patients reported notable pain relief, sustained MMO over 35 mm, and correction of mandibular deviation. Ra- diographs revealed cortical bone formation and improved joint surface contour. These findings suggested prolo- therapy might promote structural regeneration in TMJ DJD. Further studies are warranted to confirm its long-term efficacy and safety. (J Korean Dent Assoc 2025; 63(4): 137-152)
