Use of hospital emergency rooms for dental care.

Individuals who lack the ability to pay for dental care or who do not have an ongoing relationship with a private practice dentist may use hospital emergency rooms (ERs) for dental treatment. The purpose of this study was to analyze patterns of ER use for the treatment of dental conditions by day of week and time of day, and contrast this with similar patterns of use of ERs for the treatment of medical conditions. Results of this study indicate that, while medical visits are evenly distributed during the week, dental visits are most numerous on Saturday and Sunday. In addition, while medical ER visits are highest during 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and lowest during 12 a.m. to 6 a.m., dental visits are highest during 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and lowest during 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.