Oral_Health_Maine_ESandRep120209.pdf (application/pdf Object)

 Maine is 80% fluoridated. In 2006, dental complaints were the number one reason why MaineCare patients or uninsured patients between the ages of 15 and 44 years went to an ED for services (Kilbreth et al., 2010). In that year, there were 3,430 ED visits related to a dental diagnosis among ED patients age 15 years to 24 years (Kilbreth et al., 2010). Forty-five percent of visits for dental problems in this age cohort were by frequent users of ED services (Kilbreth et al., 2009). Also in 2006, there were 4,949 visits for dental problems among ED patients age 25 years to 44 years, and a dental problem was also the primary reason for an ED visit for this age cohort. In all, there were 8,379 visits to EDs in Maine in 2006 for dental pain and related diagnosis by people age 15 to 44 years.

MaineCare patients are more likely to use ED services. MaineCare insured about 17% of the state’s population, but MaineCare insured individuals generated 32% of all ED visits in 2006 (Kilbreth et al., 2010). While 56% of the state’s population is privately insured, only 33% of ED visits were made by privately insured individuals in that year (Kilbreth et al., 2010). ED care is more expensive than dental care provided in other outpatient settings. The various reasons for the disproportionate use of EDs by MaineCare eligible patients include patient preference, lack of knowledge about appropriate ED use, lack of dental insurance or patient resources to cover the cost of care, and lack of availability of routine dental care.




Oral_Health_Maine_ESandRep120209.pdf (application/pdf Object)