Impact of a community dental access program on emergency dental admissions in rural Maryland

S. Rowland, J.P. Leider, C. Davidson, J. Brady and A. Knudson

American Journal of Public Health, 2016, vol. 106, issue 12, 2165-2170

Abstract: Objectives. To characterize the expansion of a community dental access program (CDP) in rural Maryland providing urgent dental care to low-income individuals, as well as the CDP's impact on dental-related visits to a regional emergency department (ED). Methods. We used de-identified CDP and ED claims data to construct a data set of weekly counts of CDP visits and dental-related ED visits among Maryland adults. A time series model examined the association over time between visits to the CDP and ED visits for fiscal years (FYs) 2011 through 2015. Results. The CDP served approximately 1600 unique clients across 2700 visits during FYs 2011 through 2015. The model suggested that if the CDP had not provided services during that time period, about 670 more dental-related visits to the ED would have occurred, resulting in $215 000 more in charges. Conclusions. Effective ED dental diversion programs can result in substantial cost savings to taxpayers, and more appropriate and cost-effective care for the patient. Policy Implications. Community dental access programs may be a viable way to patch the dental safety net in rural communities while holistic solutions are developed.

Keywords: adult; cost control; emergency ward; human; model; rural population; safety; time series analysis; tooth; community care; dental procedure; emergency health service; health care delivery; insurance; Maryland; middle aged; poverty; rural population; utilization, Adult; Community Networks; Dental Care; Emergency Medical Services; Health Services Accessibility; Humans; Insurance Claim Review; Maryland; Middle Aged; Poverty; Rural Population (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2016.303467_2

DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2016.303467

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