AT Still University - Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health
Participants should be aware of the following financial/non-financial relationships: . Katelyn Kleutsch, n/a: I do not have any relevant financial / non-financial relationships with any proprietary interests.. Ann Spolarich, RDH, PhD, FSCDH: I do not have any relevant financial / non-financial relationships with any proprietary interests.
Abstract: Objective: This qualitative descriptive study explored patient experiences seeking dental care in hospital emergency departments (EDs) during COVID-19 and their willingness to use teledentistry to address dental needs in EDs.
Methods: This IRB-approved qualitative study was implemented using purposeful sampling. Eligible patients were at least age 18, fluent in English and reported seeking care in EDs within the past six months prior to coming to an academic dental clinic for definitive care. Data were collected using semi-structured telephone interviews. Content validity of the interview questions was established, and an interview guide was sent to participants prior to the interview. Verbal informed consent was obtained and Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Respondent validation verified accuracy of transcripts. A grounded theory approach to data analysis was used. Open coding deconstructed the data into short phrases. Axial coding combined open codes into categories. Two examiners coded each interview independently, then compared and discussed findings to reach consensus.
Results: 9 participants were interviewed. Seven categories emerged: lack of definitive diagnosis; prescribing and referral patterns; value for oral systemic health relationships; habitual use of EDs; access to telehealth; unfamiliarity with teledentistry; and distrust of dentists’ ability to accurately diagnose using teledentistry. Subjects were prescribed medications and referred for dental care. ED visits were habitual but reinforced negative consequences of poor oral health. Most felt that dentists could not definitively diagnose without in-person visits.
Conclusions: Subjects seeking care in EDs question the value of a teledentistry model in this setting.
IRB approval: ATSU IRB Exempt #2020-287
Source of Funding: American Association of Public Health Dentistry
