[The Meaning and Problem of the 8020 Movement in Japan]

In 1982 the Health and Medical Service Law for the elderly was enacted. Until 1982 medical services for the elderly were provided free or charge in Japan, causing rising health expenditure on the elderly. One purpose of the law was to introduce partial cost-sharing and health services for the elderly, but dental health services were not included in the Law. The 8020 Movement was therefore initiated to include dental health within the health service of the Law. The "8020" goal is based on research which reported that it is possible to eat almost all kinds of food with 20 teeth. In 1989 the Committee for Adult Oral Health of the Ministry of Health was established and as an objective for on oral health campaign, the 8020 Movement was proposed. Since 1992, activities for the 8020 Movement by local governments have been supported by the Central Government, initiating the success of the 8020 Movement.