95 - Evaluation of OR Wait Time across Pediatric Dental Residency Programs

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate operating room (OR) wait times for pediatric dental patients across North America by surveying Pediatric Dentistry residency program directors. Objectives include identifying regional variations in OR access and understanding how programs manage urgent or emergency cases during extended wait periods. Findings will help highlight disparities and inform strategies to improve timely care.

Methods: A cross-sectional electronic survey will be distributed to all accredited Pediatric Dentistry residency program directors in North America. The survey includes seven structured questions on program location, average OR wait times, factors contributing to delays, and protocols for handling emergencies while awaiting OR availability. Responses will be collected anonymously and analyzed using descriptive statistics and categorical grouping to identify trends, regional differences, and common approaches to emergency management during OR delays.

Result: Across 28 programs with quantifiable data, the median OR wait was 5.0 months (IQR 3.0–6.25; range ~1.55–21.0). Proportions at key thresholds: ≥3 months 82%, ≥6 months 43%, ≥12 months 11%. Regional medians (midpoint method): Midwest and South ~6.0 months; West ~4.75 months; Northeast ~4.5 months; Puerto Rico ~1.61 months (n=1). Median waitlist size was 100 patients (IQR 51–200; 20–1200), and waitlist size showed a positive association with wait time (r≈0.62; exploratory).

Conclusions: Prolonged pediatric dental OR waits are common (median ~5 months), with nearly half of programs at ≥6 months, indicating system-level constraints. Cited contributors—limited OR block time/availability, staffing and anesthesia coverage, and high demand/referrals—align with the observed positive association between waitlist size and wait duration. Interim strategies (ED pathways, in-clinic care when feasible, protective stabilization, selective sedation, and add-on OR when available) reflect pragmatic triage to control infection and pain while awaiting definitive care. These findings highlight operational levers—optimizing block time, dedicating pediatric dental OR access, and standardizing urgent pathways—that may reduce delays and improve timely, equitable care.