Urgent dental needs

ED Nurse, RN · Dec 17, 2015

We have dental residents at my hospital so typically we can call them- but most hospitals don't do that. If it is a large access then they will treat, but anything less than that they will possibly do a block and tell the pt they need to follow up with a dentist because there is nothing the ER can do.

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · Dec 17, 2015

Our docs will do a local block and prescribe pain meds. About all they can do really.

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Dec 17, 2015

When I worked ED the docs would give a long acting nerve block. Antibiotics if infection was evident and referral to the two dental clinics. One has a 6+ month waiting list the other is longer, both sliding scale. Medicaid doesn't cover dental past teens. Despite the evidence that good oral hygiene & care can prevent serious issues later

kalycat, BSN, RN · Dec 17, 2015

Just had a patient last month who needed a couple new heart valves thanks to mega dental caries. Ironically, the surgeon was hesitant to perform the procedure even after 10 days of IV Abx because he wanted the patient to have all the offending teeth pulled first; they were literally crumbling out of the patient's mouth. First sliding scale clinic appointment? February.

SubSippi · Dec 17, 2015

Just had a patient last month who needed a couple new heart valves thanks to mega dental caries. Ironically, the surgeon was hesitant to perform the procedure even after 10 days of IV Abx because he wanted the patient to have all the offending teeth pulled first; they were literally crumbling out of the patient's mouth. First sliding scale clinic appointment? February.

Wow...forget grad school, I'm going to be a dentist!

allnurses Guide · Dec 17, 2015

Our docs will do a local block and prescribe pain meds. About all they can do really.

Same here and antibiotic if indicated. We don't do dental procedures as we don't have dentists on staff.

We do refer to local dentists.

nurse2033, MSN, RN · Dec 17, 2015

We treat pain and infection, and refer to a dentist. I feel bad for the patients but that's the system...

middleagednurse · Dec 17, 2015

Appreciate the advice. I have the type of job where people call me desperately needing dental care right now, and I am at a loss as to what to say.

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Dec 17, 2015

Find out the county or state dental referral line. There is often a dental clinic associated with FQHC clinics. Any dental schools?

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · Dec 17, 2015

There is a chain of walk in dental clinics in Indiaapolis open 9a - 9p daily. Hopefully the idea is spreading.

Editorial Team / Admin · Dec 17, 2015

There is a chain of walk in dental clinics in Indiaapolis open 9a - 9p daily. Hopefully the idea is spreading.

Sounds like someone could make a fortune by opening urgent dental care, just like we have urgent medical care facilities.

My facility doesn't have residents, but if a patient comes in, they get the treatment the ER is able to provide (pain medication and antibiotics) along with referral to dental offices. I'm sure the waiting list for the ones offering sliding scale coverage are long.