Extra! Extra! Read All About It: A National Dental Survey of the Emergency Room Physician

Abstract

Introduction: Physicians are the first point of contact for patients who present to the ED with dental pain, infection, and trauma. This study determined the Physician's knowledge gap when assessing and rendering care to the ED dental patient. Methods: 81 American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) ED physician members were surveyed online using Qualtrics.TM The sample group was questioned about their comfort level when assessed and rendered care for dental pain, infection, and trauma. If satisfied with support when assessed and rendered, Chi-square and Fisher’s exact test analysis was undertaken using contingency tables. Results: The survey associated assessment and rendered care for dental trauma and severe local odontogenic infection. This is influenced by satisfaction with dental education (10x odds more comfortable), years in practice, and ACEP affiliation. Conclusions: This survey presented an opportunity for advancement in physician management of trauma and infection. Continuing medical education courses for ED physicians with dental emergencies could include instruction and guidelines on assessing and rendering care for dental trauma and severe dental disease.