The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) is a national surveillance system that has been assessing the health and nutritional status of Koreans since 1998. Based on the National Health Promotion Act, the surveys have been conducted by the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).

An oral examination as part of The National Health and Nutrition Examination was proposed to calculate the sample design and survey participation. The surveying system was presented by classifying the measurement environment, screening, and survey items by year, and the merits and limitations of using the data were suggested by examining the status of survey quality management and the process of disclosing raw data.

This nationally representative cross-sectional survey samples approximately 10,000 individuals each year and collects information on oral examinations and oral health interviews. Data for the oral health component of KNHANES was obtained to assess the oral health status of Koreans and determine the prevalence of dental caries and periodontitis. The oral health data quality control of KNHANES was composed of three parts: “Education Program” and “Field Training Program” for quality control of oral health examiners (dentists) by the professional academy, and “Data management” by the KCDC. After completion of the three-step data check, the indicators of dental caries, periodontal disease, and oral health behavior were published in the National Health Statistics.

To achieve the goals of oral health indicators, we will continue to monitor so that we can use it as basic data for oral policies and carry out various linkage analyses related to oral diseases.