Examining Opioid Prescriptions Preceding Emergency Dental Visits

Investigating the Link between Dental Health Professional Shortage Areas (DPSAs) and Opioid Prescriptions

USA: A collaborative effort led by Mallory Dreyer and a team of researchers from Indiana University delves into the association between opioid prescriptions and emergency dental visits. This study particularly focuses on understanding potential disparities between areas underserved by dental health professionals (DPSAs) and those adequately served. The team acknowledges the existing research on dental conditions and opioid prescribing in the U.S., emphasizing the need for exploration in geographical contexts.

Methodology and Scope

Utilizing Indiana’s comprehensive electronic health records spanning from January 1, 2016, to October 31, 2020, the researchers scrutinize data to determine whether patients from DPSAs, seeking emergency care for dental conditions, are more likely to have received opioid prescriptions in the 30 days preceding their visit compared to patients from other areas. 

The investigation aims to uncover insights into the potential correlation between the shortage of dental professionals and the use of opioids as a coping mechanism.

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Key Findings and Implications

The preliminary findings indicate a noteworthy association, as individuals experiencing dental emergencies in DPSAs are found to be 16% more likely to have filled an opioid prescription in the 30 days preceding their emergency department (ED) visit. 

The statistical significance of this result at the 1% level underscores the potential impact of limited dental resources on opioid prescription patterns. However, the research team cautions that the study design has limitations, including the absence of data on prescription use post-ED visit, emphasizing that correlation does not imply causation.

Call for Further Research

While the correlational results suggest a connection between unmet dental needs and opioid prescriptions, the researchers emphasize the necessity for more in-depth investigations to establish causation conclusively. This study serves as a crucial starting point in understanding the complex interplay between dental care accessibility and opioid use, prompting the dental and healthcare community to further explore strategies to address disparities and enhance dental care availability.

About the Contributors

The research team includes Mallory Dreyer, Anubhuti Shukla, Juyee Sabadee, Meghana Bibireddy, Katy Borner, Thankam Thyvalikakath, and Kosali Simon. Hailing from various departments at Indiana University and Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering, these contributors bring diverse expertise to the exploration of opioid prescriptions in emergency dental care contexts.

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