Citation

Figueiredo R, Rattai J, Fournier K, Levin L. Dent. Traumatol. 2018; 34(6): 421-428.

Affiliation

Professor and Head, Division of Periodontology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Alberta, Canada.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/edt.12436

PMID

30187635

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Dental trauma represents a significant cause for concern in emergency departments (ED). The aim of this study was to report on the prevalence of ED visits for dental problems associated with trauma (DPAT) in Alberta, Canada. The specific objectives were to provide up-to-date information regarding ED utilization for dental trauma concerning the demographics of users and distribution of ED visits across the Province of Alberta, allowing for an assessment of possible trends over the period of time observed.

METHODS: Data for ED visits in Alberta between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2017 were extracted from the National Ambulatory Care Reporting System (NACRS). Data elements pertinent to this analysis include patient demographics, administrative information and diagnosis. Only the main or primary diagnosis of each ED visit was included in this analysis using the International Statistical Classification of Diseases (ICD-10-CA).

RESULTS: There were 71,118 total ED visits for DPAT in this time period, with an average of 10,159 visits per year across Alberta. Children aged 1-4 years old represented the age group in both genders with the largest number of ED visits, 22.1% of the total number of visits. The number of ED visits for DPAT by males 21 years or younger (22,384) was higher than the total number of ED visits among females in all age groups (21,099). The ICD-10-CA code S01.5 referring to open wound of lip and oral cavity was by far the most prevalent diagnosis, representing 57.6% of the total visits during the period investigated.

CONCLUSIONS: This population based report quantifies the rates and frequency of ED utilization for DPAT in the province of Alberta, Canada. The information gathered is important to support injury prevention initiatives using a population based approach targeting the high risk groups of the population identified by this study. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Language: en

Keywords

Oral health; dental problems; emergency department; urgent care