Graduation Date

Summer 8-18-2017

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Programs

Health Services Research, Administration, and Policy

First Advisor

Dr. Fernando A. Wilson

Abstract

The purpose of this dissertation was to present state-level estimates of hospital-based emergency department (ED) visits with dental conditions across all ages in the states of California, Nebraska, and New York. Also, this dissertation examined the outcomes and impact of changes in Medicaid policies on the utilization of ED with dental problems. State Emergency Department Databases (California, Nebraska, and New York), a component of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) was used for this dissertation. Dental conditions were identified by using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes. High-risk groups visiting EDs with dental conditions were identified. This dissertation highlights the need for the provision of increased resources, such as dental-related preventive programs and community clinics particularly for the high-risk groups who visit ED for dental problems.

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