187 - Correlation between Last Dental Visit and Likelihood of Emergency Visit.

Abstract:

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a correlation between time since a child’s last dental appointment and increased rate of dental emergency visits at CMC Dental Clinic and Emergency Department. 

Methods: A record of all patients who were billed for code D0140 (limited oral evaluation- problem focused) from 1/1/2022-12/31/2022 was generated. Emergency exam visit notes were reviewed to determine which patients would be included in study population. MCNA and Dentaquest Medicaid portals were accessed to determine each patient’s dental home and date of last dental exam. Patients were then divided based on time between emergency visit and last periodic/comprehensive exam.

Results: 553 patients were billed for D0140 (limited oral evaluation - problem focused) between 1/1/2022-12/31/2022. 449 patients were seen for non-traumatic emergencies. 56 patients were seen for traumatic emergencies. 48 patients were seen for non-emergent limited exams (i.e. OR follow-up, consult, etc.). Non-traumatic emergencies made up 88.9% of dental emergency visits in 2022. 54.0% of patients in the study population were seen for periodic/comprehensive exam within 6 months of the emergency dental appointment.

Conclusions: Study data indicate that a majority of emergency visits were due to non-traumatic emergencies which may be addressed in the dental clinic. Additional studies are required to determine barriers to treatment that result in emergency dental visits. No increase in number of emergency visits noted as time since last dental exam increased. This indicates that additional variables may be involved in determining likelihood of emergency dental visit. Further studies are required to investigate additional factors involved.