109 - Effect of Frequency of Preventive Dental Visits on Treatment Outcomes

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the impact frequency of preventive dental visits has on frequency of treatment visits. 

Methods: We conducted a retrospective dental chart review of children aged 0-7 years who presented to a dental clinic between January 1, 2014 and October 26, 2023. Demographics, body mass index, age at initial visit, and number of recalls, emergency, silver diamine fluoride, nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, and general anesthesia visits until age 7 were collected. We compared frequency of recall visits to frequency and types of treatment visits.

Results: Of 260 charts, only 14% (N=36) returned for recalls every three months as recommended. Among the 14%, there were fewer emergency visits (P=.002), fewer SDF visits (P=.004), fewer treatment visits without use of nitrous oxide (P=.01), and fewer treatment visits with nitrous oxide (P < .001), but no difference in oral conscious sedation and general anesthesia (P=.09 and P</span>=.77, respectively). Children who established dental care before 36 months of age had significantly fewer treatment visits utilizing nitrous oxide [Mean(SD)=1.1(1.6), P < .001] and more SDF applications [Mean(SD)=0.8(1.6), P < .001]. Children who returned for 6 or more recall visits, regardless of whether frequency followed the recommendation, also received more SDF applications [Mean(SD)=1.2(1.8), P < .001], but no statistically significant difference was found in other treatment modalities.

Conclusion: Establishing a dental home before the age of 3 and returning for recalls at 3 month intervals resulted in fewer treatment visits, emphasizing the importance of following the recommended interval of 3 month recalls in early childhood.

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