Repeat dental general anaesthesia in children and the role of treatment planning: A Scoping Review

Abstract Aims To map evidence relating to repeat dental general anaesthesia (DGA) in children, describe reported repeat DGA rates and identify potentially associated factors, including treatment-planning arrangements. Methods A scoping review was conducted following Arksey and O’Malley and JBI guidance and reported according to PRISMA-ScR. Five bibliographic databases were searched, supplemented by grey literature, reference-list searching, database alerts to April 2026 and stakeholder consultation. English-language sources reporting repeat DGA in children were eligible. Results Seventy-five sources were included (72 published; three unpublished). Reported repeat DGA rates ranged from < 1% to 76%. Median rates were 4.9% with paediatric specialist-led treatment planning and 10.1% with non-paediatric-specialist-led planning. However, study period was a potential confounder; among sources published from 2010 onwards, corresponding medians were 4.9% and 3.2%. Radiographic assessment was more frequently reported with specialist-led planning (36% versus 19%). Conclusions Repeat DGA rates varied considerably. Although specialist-led treatment planning was associated with lower rates overall, this association was attenuated when study period was considered and should not imply causality. The findings highlight the potential importance of comprehensive assessment, appropriate diagnostic investigation and access to specialist expertise, and support further prospective multicentre research.