336 - Two Year Analysis Determining Need for Hospital-based General Anesthesia versus Office-based General Anesthesia for Pediatric Dental Patients

Purpose: This study aims to provide recommendations for efficient treatment of pediatric dental patients under general anesthesia and investigate factors associated with full mouth dental rehabilitation under general anesthesia for pediatric and special needs patients aged under 18 years.

Introduction: Pediatric dental patients, especially those with special needs, often require dental treatment under general anesthesia due to various reasons. Previous studies have shown that procedures performed at Stony Brook University Hospital take longer and cost more than those conducted in office settings.

Method: Data from 298 operating room cases conducted by the Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry from 11/01/2021 to 10/31/2023 were analyzed. A chart review was conducted using data from Stony Brook Dental axiUm EHR and Stony Brook University Hospital Firstnet EHR. Variables included medical complexity, special needs vs. neurotypical, ASA classification, setting of treatment, Ketamine pre-sedation, anesthesia duration, waitlist duration, emergency extractions, and patient age.

Results: Of 296 patients treated, 34.12% were special needs. Wait times ranged from 0.03 to 35.60 months (mean: 10.34 months, median: 11.28 months). Majority of cases (94%) were deemed suitable for office-based anesthesia. Most cases were covered by Medicaid (90.6%).

Discussion: This study highlights the need for efficient treatment strategies for pediatric dental patients, particularly those with special needs. The findings emphasize the importance of assessing appropriate anesthesia settings based on patient characteristics and optimizing resource allocation to minimize wait times. Strategies to address disparities in access to care, particularly in Medicaid coverage, are warranted.