214 - Characteristics of Emergency Department Utilization among Pediatric Dental Clinic Patients

Purpose: To explore patient factors that may be associated with Emergency Department utilization for dental treatment that could be provided in a dental clinical setting.

Methods: This retrospective chart review included electronic health records of children who received care at Children's Hospital Emergency Department (ED) for dental-related ED visits (in-person and telephone consults) and had at least one Columbia University Pediatric Dentistry clinic visit. Sociodemographic, health history, and clinical data were collected on pediatric patients (birth to 22 years of age) seeking non-trauma related ED dental care from July 1, 2019 – June 30, 2021. 

Results: Of 391 patients evaluated in the ED for dental related issues, 210 patients presented with non-traumatic dental problems. Among those, 25 (12%) have special health care needs. Mean age of children was 8.6 years (median =7 years), 54% were male, and 151 (72%) of patients were Medicaid insured. Most (n=184; 87%) presented with facial pain, with 48 (23%) requiring antibiotic treatment and 47 (22%) pain management. One third (n=72; 34%) were discharged from the ED with no treatment. At least 106 (50%) of patients were established patients with an external dental provider. Additional analyses pending. 

Conclusions:  Evaluation of pediatric patients presenting to the ED for non-traumatic dental problems may aid in early identification of those who could be better managed with care provided by regular dental providers.