Increasing frequency of dental patients in the urban ED

This study examined the spectrum and frequency of dental disorders presenti ng to an urban ED. Data were retrospectively collected on all patients pres enting with dental complaints between January 1, 1987 and December 31, 1995 . Data included age, date and time of presentation, diagnosis, triage acuit y and disposition. Of the 3,943 charts reviewed, 1,892 (48%) patients requi red emergent oral surgery management and 2,051 (52%) emergency physician ma nagement only, The frequency of dental patients increased from 4.4/1,000 to tal ED patients in 1987 to 11.5/1,000 in 1995 (P <.05). The rate of emergen t dental trauma, emergent nontraumatic dental care, and nonemergent nontrau matic dental care increased similarly during the study period. There was no significant difference by day of week, but a significantly greater number of nonemergent patients presented between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. (72%). Th , incidence of dental patients presenting to the ED increased significantly between 1987 and 1995, Approximately one-half did not require specialist c onsultation and could potentially have been managed by a primary care denta l practitioner, (Am J Emerg Med 2000;18:687-689, Copyright (C) 2000 by W.B. Saunders Company).