NJ Spotlight published the following article on April 1, 2014. To read the full article, click here.
Many in New Jersey Use Hospital Emergency Rooms When Dental Problems Arise
Young adults and low-income residents most frequently seek treatment in ERs, Rutgers report finds
New Jersey residents are using hospital emergency departments for oral-health problems that could be addressed more effectively by dentists in their communities, according to a new report by the Rutgers Center for State Health Policy. However, with limited dental services in some communities, many people turn to hospitals when they have a toothache or other dental issues.
Statewide, there were 533 emergency room visits for non-traumatic oral care per 100,000 residents from 2008 to 2010. The problem is most acute for uninsured adult patients whose incomes are high enough that they don’t qualify for Medicaid. The Affordable Care Act requires that children’s dental care be covered by insurance plans, while New Jersey requires that Medicaid cover adult dental care as well.
While there is no shortage of dentists statewide, the report said there was evidence of a shortage of dental services in low-income areas, particularly off-hours. The state’s 21 federally qualified health centers provide dental care in many of the low-income areas covered by the report.
The report found that the most frequent users of emergency departments for non-traumatic oral care were young adults and residents of low-income areas.