Incheon has been named a top-performing city in the Ministry of Health and Welfare's "2025 Evaluation of Metropolitan and Provincial Oral Health Program Operations." It is one of only two among 17 cities and provinces nationwide selected as an outstanding institution.
Incheon received a commendation from the Minister of Health and Welfare in the evaluation, the city said Wednesday. The award ceremony took place at the recent 81st Oral Health Day commemoration, held at the Le West Hall of COEX Magok Convention Center in the Magok district of Seoul's Gangseo-gu.
Incheon's strength lies in customized oral health programs for vulnerable groups. A representative example is its denture support program for low-income elderly residents. Seniors who had postponed dental treatment due to financial burdens are now receiving dentures free of charge or at low cost.
Oral health care support for people with disabilities is another core pillar. Those who have difficulty using ordinary dental clinics are connected to regional oral health centers for people with disabilities, where they receive treatment from specialized medical staff. A cavity prevention program targeting children and adolescents is also in operation.
These programs are carried out in cooperation with district public health centers, the dental association, and regional oral health centers for people with disabilities. The establishment of customized services for vulnerable groups and a prevention-focused public oral health system served as key factors in the evaluation.
Incheon's Seo-gu Public Health Center was also selected as an outstanding public health center and received a commendation from the Minister of Health and Welfare. Incheon evaluates the oral health program performance of the 10 districts and counties within the region to spread best practices.
"This award is the result of cooperation among related institutions, including district public health centers and the dental association," said Park Mi-ae, head of Incheon's Health Promotion Division. "We will expand prevention-focused public oral health programs to improve the oral health of vulnerable groups and enhance access to medical services."
