Establishing the Dental Care Profile: Resolution-Oriented Approach at an Emergency Pediatric Dental Care Service and Patient Inclusion in Regular Clinics

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the dental care profile, evaluate resolution-oriented effectiveness based on the main complaint, and investigate the inclusion patients in the regular care clinics of the dental school. Material and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted involving the analysis of the dental records of children who sought emergency dental care in a nine-year period. Data were collected on demographic characteristics (age and sex), referral sources, pain, area of residence, main complaints, reasons for seeking emergency dental care, tooth involved, affected region, and procedures performed. Curative procedures performed based on the main complaint and the inclusion of patients in regular university care were the criteria used to evaluate resolution-oriented effectiveness. Descriptive analysis was performed. Results: This study involved the analysis of 2865 dental records from 2011 to 2019. Most patients were male (52.5%), six to 11 years of age (48.1%), self-referred to the service (85.4%), and resided in the same city as the school of dentistry (67.1%). Dental caries was the main reason for seeking the service (78.0%). Regarding resolution-oriented effectiveness, curative procedures were performed, with dental caries as the primary complaint, and 44.8% of patients were referred to and included in the regular university dental clinics. Conclusion: The profile of pediatric patients seeking emergency dental care revealed that dental caries is the main reason for seeking care, with effective curative procedures performed. Many patients were referred to regular university clinics, underscoring the importance of emergency services in providing immediate treatment and promoting ongoing oral health care.