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deleted6669
Don't get me wrong, I am happy to see folks with legit dental emergencies that require acute interventions, but the endless this tooth hurts, I am out of pain meds, I can't see a dentist, etc gets old. I know small places(like everywhere I work) could not support a dentist in the ED, but what about busy places? Dental procedures pay well. Why not have a dental fast track at every level 1 and 2 trauma center? Hospitals would make money, ED providers would be happy not to deal with meth mouth, patients with legit dental issues would get seen right away and those with BS wouldn't get narcs. Win/win. Has this been tried anywhere? I know there are free standing dental emergency clinics that only take cash and good insurance, but what about the vast majority of folks with state insurance and dental issues? This seems like a no brainer. Maybe 2p-midnight 7 days/week. I bet a dentist at a busy place would see 20-30 pts in those 10 hrs. They would more than pay for their time and make the hospital a chunk of cash.
Cross posted to EM forum for input there.
Cross posted to EM forum for input there.