A Study on the Economic Burden of Patients with Molar-Incisor Malformation and Dentinogenesis Imperfecta at Yonsei University Dental Hospital

This study aimed to quantify the socioeconomic burden of two rare dental conditions—Molar-Incisor Malformation (MIM) and Dentinogenesis Imperfecta (DI)—using long-term patient-level data. Due to their chronic nature and complex treatment needs, assessing the economic impact of these conditions is essential for informing healthcare policy and resource allocation. A total of 19 patients (9 with MIM, 10 with DI) who received over 5 years of treatment at Yonsei University Dental Hospital were included. Direct costs (including covered and non-covered services, future projection, and transportation) and indirect costs (productivity loss) were calculated using data from electronic medical records and billing records. All monetary values were adjusted to 2023 South Korean Won (KRW) using the Consumer Price Index. Treatment accuracy was confirmed by two pediatric dentists, and statistical analysis was conducted using the Mann-Whitney U test. The mean total economic burden was KRW 73,095,571 for MIM and KRW 187,512,836 for DI (p = 0.0101). Non-covered services and estimated lifetime costs accounted for the largest portion of expenses, while National Health Insurance coverage was minimal—0.8% for MIM and 0.4% for DI. Patients with MIM and DI experience a substantial and prolonged financial burden, primarily because of limited public insurance coverage and the need for extensive non-covered and long-term care. These findings highlight the urgent need for policy-level interventions to expand coverage of rare dental conditions.