Distance Dictates Dental Decisions: Maryland Study Reveals Why Patients Turn to Emergency Departments
New research from BMC Health Services Research reveals that Maryland patients living farther from dental offices are significantly more likely to seek emergency department care for nontraumatic dental issues. The findings spotlight a growing accessibility gap that challenges both oral health professionals and policymakers to rethink how preventive and urgent dental care is delivered.
A recent study published in BMC Health Services Research highlights a critical link between geographic distance and the use of emergency departments (EDs) for nontraumatic dental conditions in Maryland. Conducted between 2017 and 2021, the research underscores how location influences where and how patients seek care, revealing a complex web of accessibility, socioeconomic, and behavioral factors that shape dental health decisions.
The data show a clear trend: individuals who live farther from dental clinics are more likely to rely on EDs for dental problems that could have been treated in outpatient settings. This pattern not only reflects barriers in access but also exposes broader systemic shortcomings in preventive dental care availability. Rural residents often face travel times exceeding an hour to the nearest dental provider, while urban areas experience overburdened emergency services.
Socioeconomic factors amplify these disparities. Low-income individuals, who frequently lack transportation or dental insurance, encounter greater difficulty accessing regular care and consequently depend more heavily on EDs. This reliance strains hospital resources and highlights the need for targeted interventions that improve accessibility, particularly in underserved communities.
The researchers advocate for multifaceted strategies to bridge this gap, including expanding mobile dental clinics, supporting teledentistry initiatives, and enhancing public education about the importance of routine care. Strengthening partnerships between dental providers, public health agencies, and community organizations could reduce preventable ED visits and foster healthier oral outcomes. Click here to read more.
