168 - Evaluation of the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Emergency Pediatric Dental Visits as First Time Appointments

Purpose: The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on first-time, emergency pediatric dental visits.

 

Methods: A retrospective chart review of pediatric dental patients between the ages of 0-12 years old seen at the SEK Smiles Clinic in either Pittsburg or Parsons, Kansas, was conducted to compare the incidence and prevalence of first-time, emergency dental visits for pain. Data was collected over a 3-year period: one year before (March 12, 2009 – March 11, 2020), during (March 12, 2020 – March 31, 2021), and after (April 1, 2021 - March 31, 2022) the COVID-19 pandemic. A Chi-square test was utilized to compare the number of first-time emergency appointments.

 

Results: Over the 3-year study period, 2,963 pediatric patients were seen for comprehensive exams and 46 patients were seen for first-time appointments due to pain. The mean age of the 46 patients included in the study was 5.8 years (± 3.01), and 25 (54%) were male and 21 (46%) were female. Eight (17%) pediatric patients were seen for emergency appointments before the pandemic, 21 (46%) patients were seen during the pandemic, and 17 (37%) patients were seen in the time period after the pandemic. There was no significant difference between the number of emergency visits for pain before, during or after the COVID-19 pandemic (P=.05).

 

Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic did not impact the incidence or prevalence of children seen for first time emergency dental visits. Additional studies should be conducted using larger sample sizes.

Identify Supporting Agency and Grant Number: This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.