In the News--People visiting hospital ERs for dental treatment

Between 2006 and 2009, nationwide the number of ER visits for dental treatment increased 16%.  Generally, emergency room staffs do not include dentists.  Routine dental care available at dentist’s offices is not available through emergency rooms.  The options of ER care involve pain medication and antibiotics for gum and teeth infections.  When people go to the emergency room, they receive costly care which may not be exactly what they need. 

According to a CBS News Healthwatch article (February 28, 2012) increasing numbers of people have sought dental care at the emergency rooms during the recent economic recession years.  “ In 2009 alone, 56% of Medicaid-enrolled children nationwide received no dental care.  South Carolina ER visits for dental-related problems increased nearly 60 percent from four years earlier.  Tennessee hospitals had more than 55,000 dental-related ER visits—five times as many as for burns.”  CBS News, More Americans seeking dental treatment at the ER, http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-501367_162-57386365/more-americans-seeking-dental-treatment-at-the-er/