166 - Evaluation Of Cardiothoracic Surgical Patients Experiencing Postponement Due To Caries

The purpose of this retrospective chart analysis is to evaluate and compare the number of cardiothoracic (CT) surgeries that are postponed due to dental caries for patients of record with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA) Pediatric Dentistry department versus patients referred to the pediatric dentistry department as a result of cardiothoracic surgical needs. 

Methods: Charts were reviewed in Dentrix and Epic for children, ages 1-21 years old, requiring cardiothoracic surgery between January 1, 2020 and November 3, 2023. Patients of record were defined as receiving at least one comprehensive dental exam and periodic examination with the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Pediatric Dentistry department prior to the CT surgery. Patients receiving only a comprehensive dental exam after referral were considered new patients directed to the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Pediatric Dentistry department as a result of pending CT surgery. 

Results: A total of 173 charts were reviewed. 55 patients were categorized as patients of record. Of those, 12 (21.82%) experienced delay of their cardiothoracic surgery due to caries. 118 patients were referred to CHOA Pediatric Dentistry resultant from a cardiothoracic surgery recommendation. Of those referred patients, 61 (51.69%) were delayed due to caries. Further statistical analysis is still being conducted. 

Conclusion: Pediatric patients requiring cardiothoracic surgery are eligible to become patients of record with CHOA Pediatric Dentistry. By establishing CHOA Pediatric Dentistry as the dental home as soon as the cardiac diagnosis is made, the patient is less likely to experience delay of future cardiothoracic surgeries. 


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