Practice Management
Damon Cole, DDS
Pediatric Dental Resident
NYU Langone Pediatric Dentistry Residency - Casa Grande, AZ
NYU Langone Pediatric Dentistry Residency - Casa Grande, AZ
Chandler, Arizona, United States
Takish Ziad, BDS
Sun Life Health
Casa Grande, Arizona, United States
Daniel J. Kane, DMD, MA
Program Director
NYU Langone Hospitals
Brooklyn, New York, United States
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the success of an established medical-dental integration in the setting of a community health center. This study analyzed the frequency at which patient’s no-showed or canceled their scheduled appointments. It further evaluated functioning of the integrated program as it is intended to increase access to dental care for patients who are also seeking medical services.
Methods: This is a retrospective study of patients aged 0-18 who have scheduled dental appointments at Sun Life Pediatric Dentistry for a 2-year period from 1/1/2020 to 12/31/2021. The no-show and cancellation rates for integrated medical/dental patients of record was compared to the rates for dental-only patients.
Results: Of the total 3,761 appointments for dental-only patients, the no-show rate was 1,093 appointments, or 29.5%. 843 appointments, or 22.7%, of the dental-only appointments were cancelled. Of the 8,275 appointments for integrated medical/dental patients, the no-show rate was 1,353 appointments, or 16.6%. 1,289 appointments, or 15.8%, made by medical/dental patients were cancelled. The data shows there was a statistically significant difference in no-show rates as well as cancellation rates between dental-only patients and combined medical/dental patients.
Conclusion: Medical and dental health system integration can foster an environment with decreased dental appointment no-shows and cancelled appointments. This allows the dental team to better serve a greater number of patients within the community.