(PO-164) Pandemic Lessons in Public Health Dentistry From Dallas Community Clinics

Author: Simmi Patel, D.D.S. – Texas A&M University College of Dentistry
Author: Joshua Liescheski, D.D.S. – Texas A&M University College of Dentistry
Author: Karl Veasey, D.D.S. – Texas A&M University College of Dentistry
Author: Katharine Nimmons, M.Sc. – Texas A&M University College of Dentistry
Submitter: Katharine Nimmons, M.Sc. – Texas A&M University College of Dentistry

Introduction: The early days of the COVID-19 pandemic challenged community dentists in many ways. While dentists were mandated to provide only emergency treatment, patients encountered increased access barriers to care. Beyond that, the pandemic made it critically important for all dentists to reduce tooth-related ER visits. This poster addresses the impact of COVID-19 on two community dental clinics in Dallas, Texas. We describe the access and affordability challenges experienced by underserved dental patients and we outline the related operational and emotional challenges experienced by dental providers.

Methods: After a state directive to discontinue elective dental treatment and render emergent care in March 2020, the Texas A&M College of Dentistry Public Health Sciences Department contacted ERs throughout the region and asked them to refer all tooth-related emergencies to our two community clinics for no-cost care. As expected, the ERs still prescribed antibiotics and pain medications to dental patients but they also began to refer emergent dental cases to these clinics.

Results: Our clinics examined 516 patients, performing 395 extractions and 47 fillings between March 17 - June 30, 2020. In the same period in 2019, the clinic staff performed 944 examinations, 636 extractions, and 456 fillings. The lower patient volume was a result of treating only emergent cases and the lower number of fillings was a direct result of a restriction on aerosolized procedures.

Conclusion: Our experiences underscored the need for affordable, accessible emergency dentistry. One idea is for dentists to advocate for state funded emergency care during a pandemic or other economically devastating events. Another option would be for payers - either government or private insurers - to discount the cost of emergent care, providing financial support to practices delivering needed dental care. This would benefit patients, providers, and reduce unnecessary ER usage.