Maxillofacial surgery and waiting lists in the Concepción public health network. Observational study

Objective: to analyze minor maxillofacial surgery care and the accumulated demand on waiting lists in public healthcare facilities of the Concepción Health Service between 2022 and 2024. Methods: observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study based on records from the Concepción Health Service. The sample included six public healthcare centers (Guillermo Grant Benavente Hospital, Víctor Manuel Fernández Primary Health Center, Coronel Hospital, Lota Hospital, Santa Juana Hospital, and Florida Hospital). Absolute and relative frequencies were described, and Pearson’s Chi-square test was applied for inferential analysis (p < 0,05), complemented by effect size estimation using Cramer’s V. Results: between 2022 and 2024, a sustained increase in consultations and follow-up visits was observed, with the majority concentrated at Hospital Guillermo Grant Benavente (74.3% and 75% in 2024). Other centers showed relevant but decreasing participation. The most frequent interventions included minor outpatient surgery and treatment of dentoalveolar trauma, with an increase in procedures performed under general anesthesia in 2024. Significant differences were identified between years and centers (p < 0,001), with effect sizes ranging from moderate to low (W = 0.07–0.71). Conclusion: minor maxillofacial surgery in the public system shows a marked gap between demand and response capacity, highlighting a structural deficit in oral healthcare services.