Pandemic-Associated Dental Office Closures Associated With Increased Use of Emergency Departments for Dental Conditions in Publicly Insured Children In New York State

Lack of access to dental care during a time of significant health care system strain was associated with an increased burden on EDs from dental conditions among publicly insured children. Health care systems should consider alternatives to referral programs to dental offices to ensure publicly insured children do not fall through the dental safety net, such as by providing limited dental services on-site or incorporating urgent dental care clinics within hospitals.