Factors associated with moderate sedation attendance at a university-based pediatric dental clinic

To evaluate patient attendance for moderate sedation (MS) at a university-based pediatric dental clinic; to identify factors with negative impact on MS being completed and to assess for associations between no-show appointments and patient variables METHODS: The electronic health records of patients scheduled for MS appointments in a 22-month period were assessed by a single investigator. Demographic and clinical data related to appointment attendance and MS procedure performance were collected and statistically analyzed using chi-square, Spearman's rho correlation tests, and logistic regression (p < 0.05) RESULTS: A total of 618 scheduled MS appointments were included. The MS appointment no-show-rate was 17.1 percent. Appointment confirmation (p = 0.001) and dmft score ≥ 9 (p = 0.039) had positive correlation with attendance, while "no-shows" history (p = 0.024) and longer waiting time (p = 0.040) had negative impact on attendance. About 20% of attended MS were not completed, with main reasons of airway risk (32.3%), ongoing illness (28.4%), and violation of NPO guidelines (21.5%). Race, ethnicity, language spoken, child's behavior, and distance traveled had no significant impact on attendance CONCLUSION: Interventions to decrease non-attendance rates should target patients who are unconfirmed, have a history of no-show appointments, and are scheduled well before the sedation appointment.