258 - General Anesthesia Utilization and Referral Patterns in Pediatric Dental Patients

Purpose: Pediatric patients requiring dental rehabilitation under general anesthesia (GA) may receive care in a variety of different settings. This study evaluated factors influencing GA referral at Children’s Mercy Hospital (CMH) in Kansas City.

Methods: A retrospective review of dental clinic appointments over six months was conducted for patients referred for GA. Variables included age, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, referral patterns, and follow-up status. Data were analyzed descriptively.

Results: Most referrals involved children aged 4–7 years and were managed internally. Medically complex patients (ASA III or higher) comprised the majority. While most patients completed treatment at CMH, a substantial portion remained incomplete, with few completing care externally.

Conclusion: Findings support expansion of internal surgical capacity at CMH. Increasing operating room availability or establishing a dedicated dental surgery center may improve access to care and reduce delays in treatment completion.