Self-reported emergency room visits for dental problems

To cite this article:
Int J Dent Hygiene
DOI: [DOI link]
Quiñonez C. Self-reported emergency room visits for dental problems.

ABSTRACT

 Abstract: 

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of hospital emergency room visits for dental problems not associated with trauma in Canada, and to explore the characteristics that influence such visits.

Methods: Data were collected through a cross-sectional and retrospective national telephone interview survey of 1005 Canadians aged 18 years and over using random digit dialling. Participants were asked if they had ever visited a hospital emergency room for a dental problem not associated with trauma. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were undertaken.

Results: A total of 54 people, or 5.4% of the sample reported having to visit an ER in the past for a dental problem not associated with trauma. Income, painful aching in one's mouth in the previous month, and having to spend a day in bed because of a dental problem in the last 2 weeks, appear to be the dominant predictors of this outcome.

Conclusions: Access to dental insurance or public care mitigates the use of hospital care for dental problems that are best treated in the dental care setting.