A Team-Based Clinical Approach to Oral Function Management ― Practical Insights and On-Site Initiatives Aligned with the Latest Revisions in Reimbursement Policies ― - The 6th International Dental Symposium

Due to the well-established dental care system that has evolved from the Showa era through the Heisei era, coupled with demographic shifts resulting from a declining birthrate and aging population, the disease profile of the Japanese population is undergoing significant changes. Consequently, the limitations of traditional treatment-centered dentistry, which focuses primarily on restoring tooth structure, are beginning to become apparent.
Amid these social conditions, the 2016 revision of medical fees introduced “restoration of oral function” as a new proposal for forecasting future demand for dental treatment. Since then, Japan’s dental insurance system has focused on the normal development and restoration of oral function. In particular, the previous 2024 revision of medical fees involved a major overhaul of the system, calling for a transition to a “treatment management collaboration model”―a system entirely distinct from the previous treatment-centered approach.
In the upcoming fiscal year 2026 revision as well, the normal development and restoration of oral function are being treated as a major focal point. In this session, we will examine the direction the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare is aiming for to respond to changes in the disease structure, as well as what is expected of us as dental professionals in clinical practice.

Oral hypofunction is often caused by both structural problems resulting from tooth and tissue loss, and functional problems arising from aging or disease. Therefore, rehabilitation for oral function is highly effective when it combines oral exercises and various training methods with approaches such as modifications to prosthetic devices, adjustments, and fabrication. Furthermore, a team approach is crucial, so this time I would like to discuss a team approach using prosthetic devices, including case examples.

Oral hypofunction is a condition characterized by a complex decline in oral function, and unlike organic disorders such as tooth loss caused by caries or periodontal disease, which is typically marked by a lack of self-awareness in the early stage. Therefore, managing oral dysfunction requires early detection of signs of decline and comprehensive care that considers the patient’s living environment and overall physical and mental health. From the perspective of a dental hygienist, I would like to discuss in this lecture the evaluation of oral functions essential to daily life―such as eating and speaking―and our role in maintaining and improving them.