Non-traumatic dental presentations (NTDPs) may receive suboptimal care in emergency departments (EDs), according to a study of presentations to the Christchurch Hospital ED in 2020. A total of 931 individuals with dental pain or dental abscesses were included, with over-representation of young adults, Māori, Pacific peoples and those living in high-deprivation areas. An orthopantomogram was performed in 37% of patients, and was considered low value in 24% of cases. Of patients managed by ED staff who were not referred to specialist dental services, 42% were prescribed antibiotics, of whom only half had facial swelling, and 71% were prescribed analgesia, including an opiate in 78% of cases. Definitive treatment was given in fewer than 20% of NTDPs. Continuing to provide care for NTDPs in the ED setting may increase healthcare costs and contribute to poor opioid and antimicrobial stewardship, the study authors concluded.
