Dental hospitalization trends in Western Australian children under the age of 15 years: a decade of population-based study

Background and AimThis study analyzed a decade of dental admission patterns in Western Australian children under the age of 15years, examining associations with sociodemographic characteristics and with particular focus on dental decay and Indigenous children. MethodsThis retrospective study analyzed the data obtained for 43,937 child patients under the age of 15years hospitalized for an oral-health-related condition, as determined by principal diagnosis (ICD-10AM). Primary place of residency, age, gender, insurance status and Indigenous status were also analyzed. ResultsDental caries' and embedded and impacted teeth' were the most common reasons for hospitalization among children under the age of 15years. Dental caries' were most common in non-Indigenous patients, with pulp and periapical' most prevalent in Indigenous patients. The age-standardized rate (ASR) of hospitalization for Indigenous children in the last decade increased to reach that of non-Indigenous children in 2009. Total DRG costs of hospitalization, both public and private, were in excess of AUS $92million over 10years. ConclusionsThis study indicates the burden of oral-health-related conditions on Western Australian children and the hospital system, in terms of health and economical impact.