Racial Disparities in Emergency Department Utilization for Dental/Oral Health-Related Conditions in Maryland.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Hospital emergency departments (EDs) are a place where many Americans seek treatment of dental conditions. Racial and ethnic minorities consistently have higher rates of ED utilization than whites for dental conditions. The reasons for these disparities and significant public health concerns are investigated less often. In this paper, we measure trends in racial disparities in ED discharges for dental conditions in Maryland from 2010 to 2013. To understand these disparities, we also describe differences between racial groups in age, gender, income, location, payer, comorbidities, and the availability of dental care.

Methods

2010-2013 State Emergency Department Data for Maryland were used in the analysis. Rates per 100,000 of the population are calculated using inf

SUBMITTER: Chalmers NI 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5515044 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature