KJCKorea
Journal Central

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the background, key components, reimbursement structure, and institutional framework of Japan’s policies promoting the integration of rehabilitation, nutrition, and oral care, and to propose policy directions for adopting an integrated recovery-phase management model in South Korea. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted to examine Japan’s policy initiatives and implementation strategies related to the integration of rehabilitation, nutrition, and oral care within the recovery-phase rehabilitation sector. Results: Since 2006, Japan has implemented a system in which dental hygienists specialize in oral rehabilitation. Furthermore, in June 2023, the government introduced the Basic Policy on Economic and Fiscal Management and Reform, emphasizing health promotion and prevention of disease progression to extend healthy life expectancy and encourage workforce participation among older adults. Building on this policy, Japan introduced new reimbursement schemes in 2024 covering rehabilitation, nutrition, and oral care in the recoveryphase rehabilitation sector, thereby enhancing opportunities for implementation across healthcare institutions and communities. Conclusions: Japan’s policy experience underscores the importance of developing and implementing an integrated recoveryphase management model for rehabilitation, nutrition, and oral care in South Korea. Establishing concrete policy strategies will be critical for successful adoption.

Objectives: Although dental unit waterlines (DUWLs) could harbor biofilms that pose an infection risk to patients and staff, data on infection control factors related to the microbial contamination of DUWLs in Korea remains limited. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to analyze the microbial load in DUWL according to infection control factors using a survey. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we surveyed 58 dental institutions for characteristics (chair number, daily patient load, and accreditation status) and infection-control status (written guidelines, designated managers, monitoring, and staff training). Simultaneously, we examined the microbial contamination levels of the high-speed handpieces and three-way air-water syringes via water sampling, expressing contamination as arithmetic and geometric means (GM)±geometric standard deviation (GSD). We used the Mann-Whitney U test to compare bacterial contamination according to institutional characteristics and infection control factors (p<0.05). Results: Overall GM contamination was 1,141 and 411 CFU/mL for high-speed handpieces and syringes, respectively, exceeding the CDC guideline of ≤500 CFU/mL. We observed significant differences in microbial loads according to the institution type, unit chair count, and average patient count. Moreover, the existence of infection control guidelines revealed significant effects. Conclusions: DUWL microbial quality varied according to the clinic size and infection control program quality. Institutions with detailed guidelines, routine surveillance, and skill-based training have achieved better microbial control. Standardized guidelines and incentivized training could help reduce infection control gaps, especially in small private clinics.

Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the relationships among team intimacy, job satisfaction, resilience, and turnover intention among dental hygienists. Methods: Data were collected between May 2 and July 30, 2025, from clinical dental hygienists, with a final sample of 190 individuals. Results: Factors influencing the turnover intention of dental hygienists were significantly related to subjective health status (‘bad’ and ‘good’), work experience (9–17 years), age (≥40 years), and team intimacy, with an explanatory power of 35.5%. Conclusions: Dental hygienists should receive ongoing welfare programs and clinical training to develop their skills, strengthen workplace attachment, and enhance job competency. Active internal communication should also be promoted to foster emotional connections, mutual interest, and bonds among co-workers.