Challenges and resilience of Taiwan's oral health care system after Covid-19 pandemic

J Formos Med Assoc. 2024 Nov:123 Suppl 3:S157-S162. doi: 10.1016/j.jfma.2024.09.039. Epub 2024 Oct 5.

Abstract

This paper examines the resilience of Taiwan's oral healthcare system in response to COVID-19, focusing on pre-pandemic conditions, pandemic impacts, and policy recommendations for future resilience. In Taiwan, oral diseases were prevalent, with 80.48% of adults affected by periodontitis in 2016, and 65.43% of 5-year-old children experiencing dental caries. Taiwan's National Health Insurance (NHI) covers over 99% of the population, providing comprehensive dental care. The global budget (GB) payment system, implemented in 1998, ensured financial stability. During the pandemic, dental visits in Taiwan decreased by 5.1% in 2021 compared to 2019. Despite reduced visits, the GB system maintained financial stability, mitigating financial impacts on healthcare institutions. The pandemic generally negatively affected healthcare workers' well-being, increasing resignation intentions. However, the number of practicing dentists in Taiwan remained stable from 2016 to 2022, with slight increases. Urban-rural disparities persisted, and workplace transitions increased, indicating greater mobility among dental professionals. To enhance resilience, the following recommendations are proposed: 1. Strengthen hierarchy of oral healthcare system: Balance dental resources across regions, and improve referrals between hospital and clinics; 2. Provide integrated patient-centered care: Integrate oral health into disease prevention and offer comprehensive services across all stages of life; 3. Integrate digital technology: Promote teledentistry and leverage Taiwan's strengths in information and communication technology (ICT).

Keywords: COVID-19; Dental workforce; Oral healthcare system.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19* / epidemiology
  • Dental Care
  • Humans
  • National Health Programs
  • Oral Health*
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Taiwan