National Dental Research Institute Bill Moves Forward in South Korea’s National Assembly

SOUTH KOREA: The Health and Welfare Committee of South Korea’s National Assembly convened a plenary meeting on the morning of August 25th, ultimately advancing the long-awaited proposal for the establishment of the National Dental Research Institute. 

This proposal marks a pivotal moment for the dental community in South Korea and reflects growing recognition of the importance of dental research and development.

Dental Association’s Prolonged Advocacy

The establishment of the National Dental Research Institute, a project eagerly anticipated by the Korean Dental Association (KDA), has been a longstanding goal. Advocacy for its creation began during the administration of Kim Se-young and has persisted over the years.

The dental industry in South Korea has demonstrated substantial growth potential, with dental material production accounting for 21.1% of the country’s total healthcare production as of 2022. However, the absence of a dedicated National Institute of Dentistry has left the dental R&D sector with inadequate research funds. 

Seoul National University Dental Hospital Launches International Medical Business Consulting Project

The urgent need for its establishment has been underscored by various factors, including presidential election pledges, endorsements from local governments such as Gwangju, Busan, Daegu, and Cheonan, and active support from industry stakeholders, academic institutions, and research organizations.

History of Advocacy and Legislative Efforts

The journey towards establishing the National Dental Research Institute dates back to November 12, 2012. Since then, a total of 16 bills related to its creation have been proposed. 

In the 21st National Assembly, representatives including lawmakers Yang Jeong-sook, Jeon Bong-min, Kim Sang-hee, Lee Yong-bin, Heo Eun-ah, Hong Seok-joon, Lee Myeong-soo, and Lee Jung-moon have championed bills linked to the institute’s establishment. 

These bills have found their place in the Health and Welfare Committee (3 cases) and the Science and Technology Information Broadcasting and Communications Commission (5 cases).

Korean Dental Association holds Presidential Election Policy Debate

Momentous Step Forward

Chairman Park Tae-geun of the KDA expressed his elation at the passage of the proposal within the Health and Welfare Committee of the National Assembly. He emphasised the need for continued dedication and effort to see the Dental Research Institute bill through to implementation, recognising it as a significant outcome resulting from years of tireless advocacy.

The bill’s passage at the plenary session of the Health and Welfare Committee represents an unprecedented milestone for the dental community in South Korea. While there is still a journey ahead to secure final approval in the National Assembly, this development marks a substantial step toward the realisation of the National Dental Research Institute, a project that has been a labour of love for over a decade.