SEOUL, Jun. 26 (Korea Bizwire) – A recent survey found that 40% of South Koreans hesitate to get dental implants due to the high cost. Most respondents considered 500,000 to 600,000 won per implant a reasonable price.
The Korean Association of Medical Journalists (KAMJ) conducted the survey from May 27 to June 6, polling 1,227 adults about their views on dental implant treatments and costs. The results were presented on June 24 at a symposium titled “Understanding Dental Implant Treatment in a Super-Aged Society,” hosted by the KAMJ and the Korean Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Implantology (KAOMI) at the Korea Press Center in Seoul.
According to the survey, 67.2% of respondents said the reliability of the dental clinic was the most important factor when considering implant treatment. The brand of the implant and cost followed at 16.7% and 15.9%, respectively.
When asked why they hesitate to undergo implant treatment, 39% cited cost concerns. Other reasons included anxiety or fear about the treatment (28.9%), worries about side effects (14.5%), and the length of the treatment period (9.9%).
Despite these concerns, those who have received implants reported high satisfaction rates. Of the 793 respondents who had undergone implant treatment, 69.7% were satisfied with the functionality of their implants. Specifically, 21.7% were “very satisfied” and 48% were “satisfied.”
However, there is a significant gap between what South Koreans consider a reasonable price for an implant and the actual cost. While 40.8% of respondents believed 500,000 to 600,000 won per implant was appropriate, the typical price at dental clinics is around 1.3 million won. Only 9.3% of respondents thought prices over 1 million won were reasonable.
The survey also addressed concerns about “dumping dentistry,” where some clinics advertise unrealistically low prices. In response, 45.7% of respondents said proper guidance on correct implant procedures and fair pricing was needed to prevent potential harm to patients. Additionally, 18.9% called for a list of “ethical dentists” certified by relevant organizations to be published.
You Tae-young, public relations director of the Korean Dental Association, expressed concern over the rise in illegal medical advertising that attracts patients with low-cost implants.
“This not only harms consumers but also undermines trust in dentistry,” You said. He pledged that the association would take strong action, including reporting dental clinics that repeatedly engage in illegal advertising practices.