Reflection and academic mission toward a sustainable dental ecosystem

Today, dentistry is amid an unprecedented wave of transformation.Although technological advancements and digital transformations are accelerating, deeply concerning issues exist in the dental field.The proliferation of ultra-low-cost treatments, collectively known as "dumping dentistry," is breaking down the boundaries of appropriate medical care.In addition, the problem of "hit-andrun dentistry," which ignores aftercare or suddenly closes down, not only causes physical and economic damage to patients but also ruins social trust in the dental industry as a whole.Furthermore, the current response revealed clear limitations.A retroactive crackdown by the administrative authorities and a punishment-focused approach are insufficient to fundamentally correct the structural distortions in the market.Moreover, consumer education-centered measures have limitations in addressing the information asymmetry inherent in medical services.Particularly, the effectiveness of platform-based medical advertising regulations that intensify price competition is being questioned.Ultimately, the existing alternatives are merely superficial prescriptions.A practical resolution to the problem seems far away without a fundamental shift in the dental healthcare system.Sustainable oral health is directly related to the health assets of the social community.Oral health forms the basis of the overall health of an individual, and an oral health system lacking preventative measures is highly vulnerable to the current and upcoming challenges, including a rapidly aging population and the burden of chronic diseases and care.Therefore, shifting the dental healthcare system from a "treatment-centered" to a "prevention-and management-centered" approach is not a matter of choice, but a social imperative and a call of the times.The Korean Academy of Preventive Dentistry and Oral Health (KAPDOH) journal needs to play a pivotal role in establishing the intellectual foundation for this transition.The root cause of market distortion is the current structure, which ignores prevention.The fee-for-service reimbursement system structurally reinforces treatment-focused practices and fosters a paradoxical situation, characterized by economically advantageous invasive procedures rather than preventive care.A mid-to long-term solution to this problem could be changing the structural incentives by redesigning the dental care system to focus on preventive care, rather than simply imposing legal regulations.We sincerely hope that our journal will remain faithful to its academic mission, lay the groundwork for the transformation demanded in this era, and take the lead in fostering public debate.