Research Article
Service Evaluation of Paediatric Dental Patients Seen at Urgent Dental Care Hubs During the Initial COVID-19 Lockdown
1Eastman Dental Hospital, Department of Paediatric Dentistry, London, United Kingdom
2Eastman Dental Hospital, Department of Paediatric Dentistry, London, United Kingdom & Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust, Dentistry, London, United Kingdom
3Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust, Dentistry, London, United Kingdom
4Eastman Dental Hospital, Department of Paediatric Dentistry, London, United Kingdom
5Eastman Dental Hospital, Department of Paediatric Dentistry, London, United Kingdom
Received Date: August 09, 2021; Published Date: September 01, 2021
Abstract
Introduction: Following closure of routine dental services in England on 23rd March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, NHS England commissioned Urgent Dental Care Hubs (UDCHs). The purpose of this service evaluation was to assess management of paediatric patients seen at two UDCHs; Eastman Dental Hospital (EDH) and Central London Community Healthcare (CLCH) during the lockdown period.
Standards: 100% patients managed according to appropriate guidelines.
Method: Retrospective analysis of cases between 1st April-15th May 2020.
Results: 393 patients seen across both sites (306 EDH, 87 CLCH).
• CLCH saw more face-to-face patients (46%) than EDH (19%)
• Most common reason for appointment was pain (43% EDH, 47% CLCH).
• Trauma was managed appropriately (95% EDH, 100% CLCH)
• Antibiotics were generally prescribed appropriately (81% EDH 89% CLCH), with incorrect prescribing due to reduced doses of amoxicillin
Discussion: Attendance increased as lockdown progressed. Fewer paediatric patients accessed the UDCHs compared to adults. Antibiotics were prescribed as an outcome in 19% EDH and 22% CLCH. Several patients (n=15) who were prescribed antibiotics received multiple courses or further treatment during the evaluation period.
Conclusion: This service evaluation showed that, at short notice, both dental services successfully provided emergency assessments and treatment within the context of a pandemic. Management of patients, on the whole, was appropriate, in keeping with standards set for the COVID-19 period. Antibiotic prescribing did not meet the appropriate standard. These initial results would be useful to help shape future care provision, should there be another lockdown.
Keywords: COVID-19; Service evaluation; Urgent Dental Care Hubs
Abbreviations: UDCH-Urgent dental care hubs; NHS-National health service; AGPs-Aerosol generating procedures; EDH-Eastman dental hospital; CLCH-Central london community health care; CDS-Community dental service; SDCEP-Scottish dental clinical effectiveness programme; FGDP-Faculty of general dental practice; GA-General anaesthetic; GDP-General dental practitioner
