탈북자의 구강건강 실태와 고령층의 치료사각지대: 다층적 분석

Abstract

North Korean defectors are a medically vulnerable population experiencing significant disparities in oral health due to systemic and historical differences between North and South Korean healthcare systems. This review investigates the oral health status of defectors, particularly focusing on elderly individuals, by analyzing dental indices and clinical outcomes reported in recent studies. Data show a steep increase in missing and decayed teeth with age, while filled teeth remain disproportionately low across all age groups, reflecting limited access to preventive and restorative care. These disparities are shaped by a combination of premigration neglect, post-migration social isolation, and low oral health literacy. The review further emphasizes the critical role of oral and maxillofacial surgeons in managing complex dental conditions and proposes a life-course approach integrating prevention, early detection, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Policy recommendations include community-based support programs, culturally sensitive education, and structural interventions to enhance dental care accessibility for elderly defectors.