Dental Treatment in Florida's Hospital Emergency Rooms

Objective: This study conducted by the Florida Public Health Institute aims to examine the use of hospital emergency rooms (ER) as a method of dental treatment by Floridians. This data were collected in order to endorse a set of policy solutions to stem the increasing use of ER for dental care in the State of Florida.

Methods: Records were reviewed from the Florida Agency for Healthcare Administration's Emergency Department Database for the years 2008-2010.Statistics on the number of visits,charges and number of patients were analyzed by counties throughout the state.

Results: There were more than 115,000 ER visits in 2010 for treatment conditions considered avoidable with proper preventive and restorative dental care. In addition, the number of patient seeking ER dental care reached 115,696 from 105,892 in 2008, while cost grew to $88.8 million from $66.8 million. These data reveal the large use of these facilities which are the most expensive source of care,and do not have the proper provider or equipment to provide dental care.

Conclusion: Lack of access to preventive and restorative dental services is a critical public health problem in Florida. This matter is responsible for the high rates of ER patients.The population most severely affected is the one covered by public programs such as Medicaid because this plan does not cover such dental services for adults, and many providers do not accept it due to low reimbursement rates. In addition,Floridians who do not have dental insurance go to the ER for untreated cavities,dental abscesses,and periodontal disease.