Characteristics of Emergent and Essential Dental Services in University and Hospital-based Settings During COVID-19 Pandemic in Vancouver, Canada.

Abstract

Objectives: In early 2020, COVID-19 was classified a pandemic. During phase 1 (16 March-18 May 2020) in British Columbia (BC), dental services were restricted to those that were emergent and essential. Such services were provided by several university and hospital-based dental clinics affiliated with the University of British Columbia (UBC), including the BC Cancer Agency Department of Oral Oncology (BCCA), BC Children's Hospital Department of Dentistry (BCCH) and the UBC Oral Health Centre (OHC). This study was designed to describe the types of in-person dental visits during phase 1.

Methods: Data were collected from electronic health records on all in-person dental visits between 16 March and 18 May 2020. Information included date of visit, demographics, reason for the dental visit and treatment provided. Data are presented using descriptive statistics.

Results: During phase 1, 396 patients were seen: 263 at the BCCA, 58 at BCCH and 75 at the OHC. At the BCCA, the most frequent reason for an in-person dental visit was essential consultation related to oncology treatment. At BCCH, the most frequent reason was pediatric oral/maxillofacial trauma. At these 2 sites, the most frequent treatment provided was consultation. At the OHC, the most frequent reason for a visit was severe odontogenic pain and infection, and the most frequent treatment was oral surgery.

Conclusion: During phase 1, emergent and essential dental care was provided at 3 UBC-affiliated clinics. The most common reasons for an in-person visit were odontogenic infection, severe pain, trauma and essential consultations related to medical therapy. The most common treatments provided were consultations and oral surgery.