196 Scaling (Teeth Cleaning) Clinics in Mapo: A Public-Data Comparison for International Patients

We do not recommend or endorse any clinic. No rankings, ratings or reviews — only verifiable public information.

Key facts

196 clinics in Mapo are registered with HIRA with dental in their name or listed specialties.
Among 195 clinics that disclose staffing, the average is 1.2 doctors and 29 have two or more.
By nearest station, clinics cluster around 공덕역 (26) · 홍대입구역 (24) · 마포역 (22).
This page does not rank or recommend clinics. Use the checklist below to compare them yourself.

Scaling (치석 제거, commonly called teeth cleaning) is a preventive dental procedure in which a dental professional removes calculus (tartar) and plaque that regular brushing cannot eliminate. Many people consider it when they notice bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or visible buildup on teeth, or simply as part of routine oral health maintenance.

Because scaling is performed with ultrasonic or hand instruments directly on gum tissue, confirming who actually carries out the procedure and what protocols the clinic follows is a practical step before booking. In South Korea, scaling at a dental clinic (치과의원) is typically covered once per year by national health insurance for adults, but the scope of that coverage and any additional treatments vary by individual case.

The comparison table on this page lists clinics based on publicly verifiable information — such as operating hours, equipment disclosure, and consultation policy — and does not rank them by quality or represent any editorial recommendation.

How this was compiled

We took every clinic in HIRA open data whose address or nearest-station tag falls in Mapo and whose name or listed specialties include dental (196 clinics).
Columns are: number of doctors, area and nearest station, website, phone, and published hours — all public data. We do not use reviews or ratings.
"Clinics covered" are those with the most public information available (ties broken by most recently verified); this is not a ranking. The full list is in Korean alphabetical order.

At a glance

Clinic	Doctors	Nearest station	Area	Website	Phone
김훈재치과의원	1	홍대입구역	마포구	—	338-0884
디엠씨서울치과의원	1	수색역	마포구	Open	6393-2875
마포사과나무치과의원	2	망원역	마포구	Open	02-3143-2080
모던치과의원	1	홍대입구역	마포구	Open	02-333-1368
미소가온치과의원	1	신촌(지하)역	마포구	Open	02-362-1254
상암지앤미치과의원	1	수색역	마포구	Open	333-2075

"Clinics covered" are those with the most public information available (ties broken by most recently verified); this is not a ranking. The full list is in Korean alphabetical order.

Scaling (Teeth Cleaning) clinic checklist

1Confirm who performs the procedure
Ask in advance whether a licensed dentist (치과의사) or a dental hygienist carries out the scaling, and under what supervision. In South Korea, the legal scope of practice for dental hygienists differs from that of dentists, so clarifying this at the consultation stage helps you make an informed decision.
2Verify insurance coverage scope in writing
National health insurance covers scaling once per year for eligible adults, but any additional procedures — such as subgingival (deep) scaling or periodontal treatment — may fall outside that coverage. Ask the clinic to provide a written cost estimate that clearly separates insured and non-insured items before treatment begins.
3Ask about instrument sterilization and infection control
Scaling instruments that contact gum tissue must be sterilized between patients according to Korean dental hygiene regulations. Ask whether the clinic uses autoclave sterilization and whether single-use disposable tips are used for ultrasonic scalers, and request to see or be informed of the sterilization log if you have concerns.
4Discuss sensitivity and post-procedure care plan
Tooth and gum sensitivity after scaling is a commonly reported response and its duration varies considerably by individual; this is not a prediction of your specific outcome. Ask the dentist what aftercare instructions apply to your case and whether a follow-up appointment is included or separately billed.
5Obtain a written consent form and itemized estimate
A reputable clinic should provide a written informed consent document outlining the procedure, known risks, and your right to ask questions before signing. If any additional treatments beyond basic scaling are recommended during the consultation, request a separate written estimate for those items so you can review them without time pressure.

Warning signs

1The person consulting you is not the treating dentist
If your pre-treatment consultation is conducted entirely by a coordinator or staff member who is not a licensed dentist, you may not be receiving clinically accurate information about your specific gum condition. Confirm that a dentist reviews your records and is available to answer clinical questions before you agree to proceed.
2Same-day payment pressure or bundled package offers
Being urged to pay in full on the day of consultation, or to purchase a multi-session package before any clinical examination, does not allow you adequate time to review what you are agreeing to. Standard practice is to provide an examination, a written estimate, and sufficient time for you to decide.
3Refusal to provide a written itemized estimate
If a clinic declines to give you a written breakdown of costs — including which items are covered by insurance and which are not — you have no reliable basis for comparison or dispute resolution later. A written estimate is a basic patient right and a reasonable expectation at any licensed dental clinic.
4No clear policy on managing adverse responses
Prolonged sensitivity, gum irritation, or other responses after scaling should be addressed by the treating clinic with a defined follow-up process. If a clinic cannot explain how it handles such situations or implies that any post-procedure discomfort is entirely your responsibility, clarify this policy in writing before treatment.

FAQ

How often should scaling be done, and does that differ by person?

General dental guidelines often suggest once or twice a year for most adults, but the appropriate interval depends on individual factors such as gum health, calculus accumulation rate, and any existing periodontal conditions. A dentist who has examined your mouth is the appropriate person to recommend a schedule suited to your situation, rather than applying a single standard interval to everyone.

Is tooth sensitivity after scaling normal, and how long does it last?

Some degree of sensitivity or mild gum tenderness following scaling is commonly reported, particularly when calculus removal exposes areas of the tooth root that were previously covered. The duration and intensity vary significantly between individuals and are influenced by pre-existing gum conditions; your dentist can give you a more specific expectation based on your examination findings.

How can I confirm the actual cost before the appointment?

Contact the clinic directly and ask for a written estimate that separates nationally insured fees from any non-covered services, since out-of-pocket amounts can vary depending on the extent of treatment needed. Bringing your health insurance card and asking about co-payment amounts at the time of the written estimate gives you a clearer picture before committing.

What is the difference between regular scaling and deep scaling (subgingival scaling)?

Regular scaling typically removes calculus from the visible surfaces of teeth and slightly below the gumline, whereas deep scaling — often called subgingival scaling or root planing — targets calculus and contaminated root surfaces further beneath the gumline and is usually indicated for periodontitis. Whether deep scaling is appropriate for you is a clinical judgment that requires an examination and, in some cases, periodontal probing; it should not be recommended without that assessment.

How do I verify that the dentist performing my scaling is properly licensed?

In South Korea, dentist license information can be verified through the Korean Dental Association or the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) provider lookup. You may also ask the clinic directly to confirm the treating clinician's license and specialty (전문의 여부) at the time of consultation, which is a straightforward and reasonable request.

196 clinics in Mapo are registered with HIRA with dental in their name or listed specialties?

196 clinics in Mapo are registered with HIRA with dental in their name or listed specialties. Among 195 clinics that disclose staffing, the average is 1.2 doctors and 29 have two or more.

Closing note

Use the checklist above as a practical guide when contacting or visiting any clinic listed in the comparison table — confirming written estimates, instrument sterilization practices, and who will perform the procedure are steps you can take regardless of which clinic you consider. The table reflects publicly available information only and does not substitute for an in-person clinical examination. Always discuss your specific gum health status and medical history with a licensed dentist before scheduling any dental procedure.

This guide is for information only and is not medical advice. Decide on any procedure only after consulting a doctor. Results vary between individuals.