Sedation
Hayffa Jamal, DDS
Resident
University of Texas —San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
Laredo, Texas, United States
Howard D. Melvin, II, DDS
University of Texas- San Antonio
Claudia I. Contreras, DDS
Faculty
University of Texas Health San Antonio
UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry
San Antonio, Texas, United States
Maria Jose Cervantes Mendez, DDS
Postdoctoral Program Director in Pediatric Dentistry
Univeristy of Texas Health Science Center - San Antonio
SAN ANTONIO, Texas, United States
Maria M. Garcia, DDS
Assistant Professor
University of Texas- San Antonio
Laredo, Texas, United States
Purpose: This study aims to determine the influence of COVID-19 on the demand for in-office conscious sedation in pediatric dentistry.
Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted at two pediatric dental clinics located in Laredo (Health professional shortage area) and in San Antonio. The records were identified by using a search for CDT codes D0150 (Comp Exam), D0120 (Periodic Exam), D0140 (Limited Exam), and D0145 (Oral Eval under 3yr) for six months pre-COVID-19 and six months post COVID-19. Records were obtained for patients aged 2 to 14 years old. Patients were divided according to age into three groups (2-5, 6-9, and 10-14). The exam visits meeting the inclusion criteria were evaluated for planned code D9248 non-intravenous conscious sedation, and if completed within six months. Chi-square statistical test was performed at a significance level of P < .05.
Results: Reviewed 1835 exam visits pre-COVID-19, and 1379 exam visits post-COVID-19. There was an increase in the percentage of both planned and completed sedations to the total number of exam visits(P < .0001). Most of the increase in planned and completed sedations happened in the group aged 2-5 (P < .0001). When comparing the two clinics the percentage of planned sedations increased at the Laredo clinic (P < .00001). However, the increase was statistically insignificant at the San Antonio clinic.
Conclusion: There is an increase in planned and completed sedations post-COVID-19. Most of the increase happened in the age group 2-5 years old, and at the clinic located at the Health Professional Shortage Area.