An analysis of dental emergency cases managed at BC Children's Hospital

Objective: To explore factors contributing to a reported increase in emergencies presenting to the Department of Dentistry at BCCH over recent years by investigating the “who, what, when and why” of their hospital management. Methods: A two-phase study incorporated quantitative (retrospective chart review) and qualitative (personal interview) elements. Phase 1- Records of 300 emergencies from 2009 to 2013 were systematically selected and reviewed. Patient demographics; source of referral; time/day of visit; nature, scope and management of emergency; and follow-up care were analyzed (Pearson’s Chi-squared Tests and Odds Ratios). Phase 2 - Twenty-five interviews with parents of children who recently experienced dental emergencies were recorded and analyzed for common themes in reported factors/circumstances. Results: Emergencies included dentoalveolar trauma (56.7%), pain of dental origin (20%), swelling from advanced dental disease (13.3%), and ‘other’, unrelated to trauma or caries (10%). Common patient characteristics were: healthy, male, young age (