Guide to Scaling Health Insurance in Korea: Eligibility, Frequency, Uncovered Cases, and Copayment

In Korea, scaling (tartar removal) is covered by national health insurance once between January 1 and December 31 each year for people aged 19 and over. The coverage applies to full-mouth scaling where treatment ends with tartar removal alone, and the second session in the same year is not covered. The copayment differs by type of institution, such as 30% at a dental clinic and 40% at a dental hospital in a dong area, and the remaining count can be checked with the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS, 국민건강보험공단).

Published 2026-11-08 · Updated 2026-11-08 · DentalStatics editorial team

Key facts

Eligible age	Age 19 and over (international age counted from the date of birth) (source: National Health Insurance Service (NHIS, 국민건강보험공단))
Covered frequency	Once a year; anything beyond that is not covered (source: NHIS)
Reference period	January 1 to December 31 each year (before January 1, 2018: July 1 to June 30 of the next year) (source: NHIS)
Outpatient copayment	Dental clinic 30%, dental hospital 40% (35% in eup/myeon), general hospital 50% (45% in eup/myeon) (source: NHIS)
Exception for under 19	Full-mouth or partial tartar removal as a step before periodontal surgery can be covered (source: NHIS)
System start	From July 2013, insurance also applied to tartar removal with no follow-up treatment (then for ages 20 and over) (source: Ministry of Health and Welfare)

Who can receive insured scaling?

Anyone aged 19 or over among health insurance subscribers and their dependents is eligible. Age is counted as international age from the date of birth, so a person turns 19 only after their birthday that year.

The condition is that it must be full-mouth scaling in which treatment ends with tartar removal alone. Until June 2013, insurance applied only when follow-up treatment such as gum treatment was involved, and from July 2013 it began to apply to stand-alone scaling. The threshold then of age 20 and over is now age 19 and over.

When does the once-a-year count begin and end?

The reference is the calendar year. Since 2018, the count renews on January 1 and ends on December 31, and unused sessions do not carry over to the next year. Before that, a year was counted from July 1 to June 30 of the next year.

For example, if you had insured scaling in December, scaling again in January of the following year is also covered. Conversely, if you have it twice in the same year, in March and October, the October scaling is treated as not covered.

Which scaling is not covered?

The NHIS lists tartar removal in the cases below as not covered. As an exception, full-mouth scaling where treatment ends with tartar removal alone, as notified by the Minister of Health and Welfare, is covered.

The second or later scaling in the same year
For the purpose of removing bad breath
For the purpose of removing tooth stains
Tartar removal for orthodontic or prosthetic treatment
Preventive tartar removal received regularly to promote oral health

How is scaling done and how is the copayment set?

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA, 질병관리청), scaling is usually done with an ultrasonic scaler, and even if there is a sensitive or stinging feeling, most people do not need local anesthesia. If you are sensitive to pain, local anesthesia or conscious sedation is available, and a panoramic X-ray is usually taken as part of the examination.

Insured scaling also follows the legal copayment rate like ordinary outpatient care. You pay 30% of the total covered medical cost at a dental clinic, 40% in dong areas and 35% in eup/myeon areas at a dental hospital, and 50% in dong areas and 45% in eup/myeon areas at a general hospital. Pregnant women pay a lower rate, 10% at a dental clinic and 20% at a dental hospital.

Even for the same scaling, the amount paid at the counter differs depending on whether an examination fee is included and on the type of institution. If you have already used your insured session, the price of uncovered scaling is set by the dental office, so it is wise to ask for the amount first when you register.

How can I check whether I have had it this year?

You can use the dental treatment information inquiry for tartar removal in the Minwon Yeogiyo menu of the NHIS website or in The건강보험 app. An identity certificate is required, and if the result shows the scaling is covered, you still have a session left this year.

The dental office also looks up the remaining count through the Yoyangginkwan Jeongbo Madang system, and if a session remains, it registers the procedure date and proceeds as covered. If none remains, it proceeds as uncovered without registering the procedure date.

Common myths and facts

Myth: Scaling insurance applies once in the first half and once in the second half of the year.

Coverage is only once a year, from January 1 to December 31. A second scaling in the same year is not covered.

Myth: If I missed this year's insured scaling, I can use it twice next year.

Remaining sessions do not carry over. When the year changes, you simply get one session again.

Myth: Minors can never have insured scaling in any case.

Preventive coverage starts at age 19, but the NHIS says that tartar removal as a step before periodontal surgery can be covered even under 19.

Frequently asked questions

From what age is scaling covered by health insurance?

From age 19 and over. It is calculated by international age from the date of birth, so you can receive it as covered after your birthday.

What does it cost if I need scaling twice a year?

The second one is not covered, so you pay the amount set by the dental office. If you need care every 3 to 6 months because of periodontal disease, the covered items may differ depending on the treatment, so ask the dentist in advance. The KDCA explains that if periodontal disease is severe and poorly controlled, tartar removal may be needed every 3 months.

Is it normal for teeth to feel sensitive after scaling?

The KDCA explains that sensitivity, bleeding, and a feeling that the gums have receded can occur after scaling and mostly disappear within 1 to 2 weeks. If bleeding lasts more than 2 to 3 days, go back to the dentist. If the sensitivity lasts long, an examination may be needed to check for other causes such as cavities.

Is scaling before orthodontic treatment covered by insurance?

The NHIS lists tartar removal for orthodontic or prosthetic treatment as not covered. At the orthodontic consultation, check whether scaling costs extra.

Can I have scaling if I take blood pressure medicine or anticoagulants?

The KDCA advises telling the dentist before scaling if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure or diabetes, take anticoagulant medication, or have a platelet-reducing disease. The opinion of your attending doctor may be needed.

References

Korean version →