Factors associated with the use of emergency dental care facilities in a French public hospital

Abstract

This study was undertaken to qualitatively analyze patients' profiles and to identify the sociodemographic and oral health factors associated with emergency visits to the public dental service in Montpellier, France. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in the dental care service at Montpellier Hospital. Socioeconomic and clinical variables were compared between the patients using the emergency dental care service and those utilizing the general dental services, which were by appointment. An evaluation of the results indicated that younger patients and people from lower socioeconomic groups used the emergency dental service more frequently. Unemployed people (OR = 1.60) and manual workers (OR = 1.86) were also more likely to use this service. The need for treatment of caries was significantly higher in the group that used the emergency service. It appeared that the two groups of patients had different attendance behavior and showed significantly different socioeconomic and oral health status.

A cross-sectional analysis of patient care pathways and profiles in a dental emergency department

“…Compared with previous publications addressing DE care, the population of the present study showed consistency regarding the gender ratio (1:1) and the most represented age class (18-29 years) [17][18][19]27,30 . Whereas previous studies provided a general description of subjects who attended the DE department 12,[17][18][19]21,27,30,31 , this study aimed to highlight profiles of patients by linking sociodemographic characteristics to care-seeking behaviours. Indeed, in the present study, the proportion of patients covered by CMU was almost two and a half times higher than the rate reported for this region in France 32 .…”

“…As a result, patients do not receive appropriate dental treatment and may require subsequent appointments, or might even experience worsening of general health 5,6 . When such facilities exist, a year-on-year increase in attendance has been highlighted 12 . To improve patient access to emergency dental care, better integration of dentists in general emergency departments and/or the development of separate DE departments are required and have been suggested since the 1970s 3,4,[9][10][11] .…”

“…This situation also leads to loss of time and adverse impacts on human and financial resources for hospitals [6][7][8] . The trend for increased use of these facilities at night and during weekends is mainly because care in the private sector is not available at these times 1,12 . When such facilities exist, a year-on-year increase in attendance has been highlighted 12 .…”

Retrospective Study on the Flow and Characteristics of Dental Emergency Patients in Chosun University Hospital

“…Social and traditional factors in Korea were an influence in the high rate of male patients, who are more likely to be wild and active and are thus involved in violent cases. They also prefer outdoor life [6][7][8] . In this study, we also found that male patients were more prevalent due to sports activities and involvement in assault.…”

Dental emergencies in public health services: what is the role of the Dental Surgeon?

“…These types of services provide prompt care to dental emergencies, representing an important part of the oral health services system, which is especially reachable to low level social vulnerable people who can't access regular dental treatment [5,6,11,12]. As well, PEDS work on a basis of out-of-hours care and fill a gap left by regular services which are normally closed during weekends, holidays and at night [10].…”