148 - Effect of wait time on pediatric dental rehabilitation under GA

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of operating room (OR) wait time on treatment plan changes and resulting OR time among children receiving oral rehabilitation under general anesthesia

Methods: A retrospective review of 261 pediatric dental records from July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021 was performed. Procedures initially planned vs. procedures completed in the OR, OR wait time, and length of OR treatment time were analyzed using ANOVA, paired sample T-test and linear regression analyses.

Results: The mean (SD) age was 8 (±5.5) years. The average wait time from initial consult to OR date was 77.9 (±70.75) days. Most cases (62%) finished earlier than estimated time. Children under 6 had more treated (restored and extracted) teeth than initially planned (8.25 vs. 7.37, P < .001). Among children ages 7 to 11, number of restored teeth in the OR was significantly lower than planned (4.02 vs. 5.02, P < .001); however, this group received significantly more extractions than initially planned (3.11 vs. 1.85, P < .001). There was no significant difference between number of planned and treated teeth among children age 12 and above. The effect of OR wait time on changes in treatment plan was not statistically significant in any age group.

Conclusions: OR wait time was not associated with changes in number of teeth treated in comparison to what was initially planned. Children ages 7 to 11 received more extractions and fewer restorations in the OR compared to initially planned.