361 - Emergent Needs Prior to General Anesthesia: Variations for Special Health Care Needs

Pediatric patients often require full mouth dental rehabilitation (FMDR) under general anesthesia (GA) due to the severity and extent of dental disease, complex medical histories, behavioral limitations, or pre-cooperative age.1,2 Among this population, children with special health care needs (SHCN) present particularly unique challenges in outpatient dental settings, frequently necessitating more comprehensive planning and intervention.3 Delays in access to GA services may further increase the risk of acute dental complications, leading to emergent care needs prior to definitive treatment.4​
The aim of this study was to evaluate differences in emergency dental treatment among patients awaiting FMDR under GA, comparing those with SHCN to those without SHCN. Specifically, the study assessed the emergent interventions required during the waiting period. By identifying patterns in preoperative emergency care utilization, this study seeks to highlight disparities in disease progression and access to care. Understanding these differences may inform improved clinical management strategies, prioritization protocols, and resource allocation to better support vulnerable pediatric populations awaiting comprehensive dental treatment under GA.