Eleftherios-Terry R Farmakis1, Fotios D Palamidakis2, Foteini G Skondra3, Georgia Nikoloudaki2, Nikos Pantazis4. 1. Department of Endodontics, Dental School, University of Athens, Athens, Greece. elefarm@dent.uoa.gr. 2. Department of Endodontics, Dental School, University of Athens, Athens, Greece. 3. Private Practice, Athens, Greece. 4. Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of pain of endodontic origin and its relationship with socio-economic and demographic factors among patients seeking unscheduled urgent dental care. METHODS: Patients attending the Emergency Clinic of Athens Dental School, Greece, between November 2011 and June 2012, were evaluated to determine their socio-economic profile, dental problem and treatment required. The facility operated from Monday to Friday, from 8.30 am to 1.00 pm, excluding the 4 weeks encompassing the Christmas and Easter holidays. In total, 533 patients were assessed regarding gender, age, ethnicity, occupation, reason for visiting, diagnosis and treatment provided. The data obtained were recorded, reviewed, coded and analysed using Poisson regression models. RESULTS: Mondays and Wednesdays were the busiest days of the week. The most common occupation among the patients was 'unemployed'. Pain of endodontic origin (reversible or irreversible pulpitis, or acute apical periodontitis) was the prevailing reason for the visit. The most frequent treatments administered were pulpectomy and drainage. Prescriptions for medications were rare. CONCLUSION: Services were requested primarily by individuals who were experiencing acute pain of endodontic origin, had low or no income and were available during morning hours, probably because of the service's low cost and operational hours. Prospective studies, such as the present investigation, can provide epidemiological evidence and indicate areas in the infrastructure of emergency services which may be improved. Additionally, such studies can provide rationale for public insurance programs and can generate profiles of the patients who utilise these low-cost public services.
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of pain of endodontic origin and its relationship with socio-economic and demographic factors among patients seeking unscheduled urgent dental care. METHODS: Patients attending the Emergency Clinic of Athens Dental School, Greece, between November 2011 and June 2012, were evaluated to determine their socio-economic profile, dental problem and treatment required. The facility operated from Monday to Friday, from 8.30 am to 1.00 pm, excluding the 4 weeks encompassing the Christmas and Easter holidays. In total, 533 patients were assessed regarding gender, age, ethnicity, occupation, reason for visiting, diagnosis and treatment provided. The data obtained were recorded, reviewed, coded and analysed using Poisson regression models. RESULTS: Mondays and Wednesdays were the busiest days of the week. The most common occupation among the patients was 'unemployed'. Pain of endodontic origin (reversible or irreversible pulpitis, or acute apical periodontitis) was the prevailing reason for the visit. The most frequent treatments administered were pulpectomy and drainage. Prescriptions for medications were rare. CONCLUSION: Services were requested primarily by individuals who were experiencing acute pain of endodontic origin, had low or no income and were available during morning hours, probably because of the service's low cost and operational hours. Prospective studies, such as the present investigation, can provide epidemiological evidence and indicate areas in the infrastructure of emergency services which may be improved. Additionally, such studies can provide rationale for public insurance programs and can generate profiles of the patients who utilise these low-cost public services.
Authors: Leonard A Cohen; Arthur J Bonito; Celia Eicheldinger; Richard J Manski; Mark D Macek; Robert R Edwards; Niharika Khanna Journal: J Public Health Dent Date: 2011 Impact factor: 1.821
Authors: Nausica Bianca Petrescu; Ovidiu Aghiorghiesei; Anca Stefania Mesaros; Ondine Patricia Lucaciu; Cristian Mihail Dinu; Radu Septimiu Campian; Marius Negucioiu Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2020-10-22 Impact factor: 3.390