Medically reviewed byDr. Myungjin Chung · Representative dentist, integrated dentistry specialist
Last reviewed 5 November 2026
At a glance
- Insurance
- Scaling 1× per year from age 19
- Visit
- About 30–40 minutes
- Bring
- Residence card (ARC)
- Best time
- Spring or autumn, before the December rush
Is it right for me?
- You have not had a check-up in the last year
- Your gums bleed when you brush or floss
- You notice tartar, stains or bad breath
- You are planning braces, whitening or implants and need a starting point
How it works
- Check-in
The front desk checks your insurance with your residence card. No separate insurance card is needed.
- Examination and X-rays
We look at every tooth and your gums, and take X-rays if needed. We show you the images on the chairside screen.
- Scaling
Tartar is removed with an ultrasonic scaler, then the teeth are polished. Tell us if your gums are sensitive and we go slowly.
- Your plan
If anything needs treatment, we explain the options, what insurance covers and the full price of anything that is not covered.
Insurance and cost
Covered by Korean health insurance: the examination, necessary X-rays and scaling once per calendar year from age 19. If tartar has spread deep under the gums, gum treatment over a few visits is also covered. Without insurance you can still come; we tell you the full fee before we start.
Planning around your stay in Korea
The yearly benefit resets on 1 January and does not roll over. If you are leaving Korea, use it before your insurance ends and ask for your X-ray copies.
Aftercare
- Some bleeding for a day is normal when gums were inflamed
- Teeth can feel sensitive for a few days after tartar is removed
- Brush twice a day and clean between teeth daily
- Come back once a year, or sooner if we suggest it
Questions
How much does scaling cost with insurance?
You pay the standard NHIS co-pay, the same as Korean patients. The exact amount is shown on your receipt.
Can I get insured scaling twice in one year?
The once-a-year benefit covers one scaling per calendar year. Extra cleaning in the same year is not covered unless it is part of gum treatment.
Does scaling damage enamel?
No. Scaling removes tartar, not enamel. Teeth can feel sensitive for a short time because the tartar that covered them is gone.
I don't have insurance yet. Can I still have a check-up?
Yes. We see patients without insurance and tell you the full fee before the visit starts.
General information, not a diagnosis. Your dentist will advise you after an examination.