80 - Evaluation of Periodontal Treatment Needs in a Hospital-Based Pediatric Population

Purpose: Pediatric patients frequently have periodontal and oral conditions requiring specialized care, yet data describing the periodontal needs in a hospital-based population are limited. This study evaluated periodontal and minor oral surgery treatment needs, procedure trends, patient demographics, and care delivery settings among pediatric patients seen at a hospital-based dental clinic.

Methods: This retrospective study included pediatric patients treated during a dedicated periodontal clinic day at Nationwide Children’s Hospital between 2015 and 2025. This clinic was led by pediatric dentistry faculty members in collaboration with a periodontist as part of a post-doctoral training model. Patient demographics, insurance status, procedure type, and treatment setting were obtained. Treatment trends were assessed using descriptive analyses. Logistic regression was performed to evaluate factors associated with treatment completion in the outpatient dental clinic versus the operating room.

Results: A total of 1662 unique patients were seen during the study period. An overall increasing trend was observed in both the number of patients and the number of procedures performed. Procedures such as supernumerary tooth removal and surgical exposure of unerupted teeth demonstrated an upward trend, while frenectomies, soft tissue grafts, gingivectomies, and soft tissue biopsies remained relatively stable. 75.63% of patients were covered by state-sponsored Medicaid.

Conclusion: Pediatric patients demonstrate substantial periodontal and minor oral surgery treatment needs that have increased over time. Interdisciplinary care models that integrate periodontists within pediatric dental programs may be an effective strategy to help address these needs while also enhancing resident education.