Characteristics of Pediatric Patients Receiving Dental Treatment at an Ambulatory Surgery Center Versus a Hospital Operating Room

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare characteristics of pediatric patients seen for comprehensive dental care under general anesthesia (GA) between two venues; an ambulatory dental surgery center (ASC) and a hospital operating room (H-OR). Methods: Data was collected from electronic medical records of patients seen at either venue between June 1, 2017 and May 31, 2018. This included demographics, American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) Status, medical history, treatment completed, treatment times, pre- and post- operative admission status, and utilization of other services under the same GA. Historical data collected at the same institution in 2010 were referenced for comparison. Results: In total, 516 (45%) patients were ASA I, whereas only 12 (1.1%) patients were ASA IV. The ASA statuses varied significantly between the groups with 21 (4.1%) of H-OR patients being ASA I and five (0.8%) of the ASC patients being ASA III (p < .001). Perioperative times for day surgery patients were shorter at the ASC venue by an average of 2.5 hours (p < .001). In comparison to previously collected data, there was a 141% increase in total number of patients treated since the opening of the ASC venue, with most of the increase seen in ASA I patients (39.9% vs 5.6%). Conclusion: This study shows that there are distinct differences between the patients treated at an ASC and H-OR. There is a need for both types of facilities to best address the needs of pediatric patients who require GA for dental treatment.