Atendimento odontológico de urgência: estudo em uma escola de odontologia

Abstract

This study investigates dental emergencies among adults over 18 seeking unscheduled care at an Emergency Dental Clinic affiliated with a dentistry school, examining demographic and socioeconomic factors and outlining care profiles, resolutions, and demand characteristics. Participants completed a structured questionnaire, with 40 questions, post-emergency consultation, covering demographic, socioeconomic, and dental history details, as well as care specifics like consultation reasons and follow-up needs. Descriptive analysis and statistical tests (Pearson's chi-square, Fisher's exact, and linear trend) assessed associations between patient demographics/socioeconomics, consultation reasons, and outcomes (resolution, medication, radiography, referral). Interviews were conducted with 250 patients over six months. Most were aged 18-84 (58% female) and from low socioeconomic backgrounds (less than a minimum wage). Primary reasons for seeking care included restorative needs (20%), often for first-time visitors (60.8%). Prosthetic requests were notably higher among those over 56 years (p=0.05), while restorative cases saw higher resolution rates (p=0.013). Endodontic cases frequently required radiographic examination (p=0.017). This study yields insights that helped to understand the profile of patients seeking emergency services, with the majority of users being women, an average age of approximately 50 years, and low socioeconomic status. Additionally, it offers data on demographics, care demands, and patient types, crucial for health service planning, monitoring, and restructuring.