Predicting relative need for urgent dental care
Authors:
K Jones
K.F. Roberts-Thomson
A.J. Spencer
L Luzzi
doi: 10.1922/CDH_2254Spencer08
Abstract
Objective: To develop prediction models of the relative need for care to differentiate between urgent and not urgent individuals presenting for emergency dental care. Design and Methods: Data were collected from 839 adults presenting to public dental clinics across South Australia (SA) and New South Wales (NSW) for emergency dental care. Prediction of the urgency of emergency dental care was based on the assessment of two binary logistic regression models - Model 1: urgency of care=<48 hours vs. 2+ days, Model 2: urgency of care=2–7 days vs. 8+ days. Subsequently predictive equations for urgency of emergency dental care were developed using binary logistic regression analysis. The models incorporated subjective oral health indicators (i.e., experience of pain or other oral symptoms) and measures of psychosocial impact of oral disorders (i.e., difficulty sleeping and being worried about the appearance/health of one’s teeth or mouth). Results: The cut-off point for the prediction of urgency was defined as a probability value ≥0.40 and ≥0.50 for Model 1 and Model 2 respectively. These cut-off values were chosen as they produced test results that were consistent with the proportions of patients falling into various urgency categories derived from dentist’s assessment of urgency. Model 1’s sensitivity was 58%, specificity 77% and positive predictive value (PPV) 59%. Model 2’s sensitivity was 75%, specificity 65% and PPV 71%. Conclusions: These models of relative need may be useful tools for the screening of urgent dental care and for allocating priority among patients presenting for emergency dental care.
Key words: Emergency dental care, prediction, urgency
Download
Other articles in this issue
Article |
Pages |
Access |
|
Editorial - The contributions of Edward H. Angle to dental public health
Authors:
S. Peck
|
130-131 |
|
Download
|
The fractional urinary fluoride excretion of adults consuming naturally and artificially fluoridated water and the influence of water hardness: A randomized trial.
Authors:
A. Villa, L. Cabezas, M. Anabalón, A. Rugg-Gunn
|
132-137 |
|
Download
|
The prevalence and severity of dental fluorosis in the high and low altitude parts of Central Plateau, Nigeria
Authors:
T. J. Akosu, A. I. Zoakah, O. A. Chirdan
|
138-142 |
|
Download
|
Prevalence of enamel defects related to pre-, peri- and postnatal factors in a Brazilian population.
Authors:
A. C. Massoni, A. M. Chaves, A. Rosenblatt, F. C. Sampaio, A. F. Oliveira
|
143-149 |
|
Download
|
Development of a psychometric scale to assess satisfaction with dental care among Sri Lankans
Authors:
I.R. Perera, U.S. Usgodaarachchi
|
150-156 |
|
Download
|
Consent of older children participating in BASCD coordinated dental epidemiology surveys in Wales.
Authors:
N. Monaghan, M.Z. Morgan
|
157-161 |
|
Download
|
Predicting relative need for urgent dental care
Authors:
K Jones, K.F. Roberts-Thomson, A.J. Spencer, L Luzzi
|
162-169 |
|
Download
|
A comparison of Personal Dental Service (PDS) and General Dental Service (GDS) patients in terms of reported interventions, oral health and dentists’ perceptions
Authors:
KB Hill, AJ Morris, DA White, S McHugh, R Atwal, FJT Burke
|
170-176 |
|
Download
|
Hopelessness, depression and oral health concerns reported by community dwelling older Australians
Authors:
S. Quine, S. Morrell
|
177-182 |
|
Download
|
Higher-order exploratory factor analysis of the Dental Subscale of Children’s Fear Survey Schedule in a Taiwanese population.
Authors:
Chen-Yi Lee, Yong-Yuan Chang, Shun-Te Huang
|
183-187 |
|
Download
|
Opportunities and challenges to promoting oral health in primary schools
Authors:
P. Gill, I.G. Chestnutt, D. Channing
|
188-192 |
|
Download
|
Subscribe
Online
(Single user only)
£150
Institution Online
(IP address validation)
£250
Back issues may be obtained from the publisher
Consider recommending subscription to your institution's library
You can view Open Access papers without a subscription.