THE VALUED VOICE

According to the WHA Information Center (WHAIC), there were 2,017 dental-related emergency department (ED) visits for children age 18 years or younger in Wisconsin between January 2018 and June 2019. WHAIC’s heat map shows where these ED visits are occurring throughout the state, using the rate per 1,000. The average total charge of those visits was $582.
 
According to the Health Policy Institute, most dental ED visits are non-traumatic dental conditions and patients receive prescriptions for pain or antibiotics for infections in most instances. Patients who visit an ED with a non-traumatic dental condition would be better served in a dental office setting due to the availability of definitive care and the likelihood of continuity of care.
 
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, and the American Dental Association sponsors a month-long national health observance that brings together thousands of dedicated dental professionals, health care providers and educators to promote the benefits of good oral health to children, their caregivers, teachers and many others.