Abstract

Purpose: This study systematically reviews legal cases related to dental care in correctional institutions, identi fying key legal issues and considerations. By clarifying the legal responsibilities of dentists, it aims to propose an appropriate level of inmate dental care tailored to the Korean context and contribute to the prevention and resolution of legal disputes. Materials and Methods: A systematic analysis of legal cases was conducted on disputes concerning inmate dental care in correctional institutions. Relevant cases were identified through database searches and case law reviews from news articles. The study focuses on legal disputes in South Korea between 2000 and 2024, analyzing key legal issues and their implications for dental treatment in correctional settings. Results: The findings indicate that emergency dental care, including the management of orofacial swelling, is le gally recognized as a necessary duty of care. However, treatments involving significant costs, such as dental decay management and prosthetic procedures, are not mandated to be provided free of charge. Courts have ruled that the government is not obligated to cover these expenses for inmates. Conclusion: Implementing routine dental care within correctional institutions based on the Korean Correctional Dental Triage Categories (KCDTC) could improve inmate welfare and rehabilitation. However, given resource limitations, facility conditions, and budget constraints, a phased expansion of dental care services is necessary. Additionally, discussions on financial equity in dental treatment should be addressed, including the potential in tegration of a triage system that differentiates between free institutional dental services and fee-based treatments provided by visiting dental professionals.