An analysis of dental services based in the emergency room.

This study evaluated the utilization, cost-effectiveness, and marketing of emergency dental services in a 700-bed university-affiliated hospital. Sequential analysis of 445 emergency room dental visits was performed during a 3-month period. Services were most used on weekend days by patients who had chief symptoms lasting varying lengths of time (43% had them 21 days). The majority of patients sought care for relief of pain. A diagnosis of infection was made in 82% of the patients. An analysis of costs, revenues, marketing, and service design is included.