The North Dakota Department of Health Oral Health Program, funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration, surveyed dentists in 2019 and reviewed emergency room data in order to better understand dental pain management, dentists’ screening practices, and risk factors associated with and predictive of opioid prescribing behavior. Since then, the Oral Health Program continues to work with health systems, emergency rooms, and dental offices in the state to identify opportunities for better triaging of dental emergencies to local dental providers. Emergency room diversion for dental concerns requires strong oral health prevention, education, access to dental care outside of traditional hours, and strong referral practices in emergency room settings.
Learn more about the program:
Provided courtesy of the American Dental Association at ada.org/~/media/ADA/Public%20Programs/Images/ER_Referral_Infographic_Full.png?la=en