An emergency dental service for students: 4-year findings

To describe the arrangements for the provision of emergency dental services for students at the University of Manchester and to report data collected during the first four and a half years of the student emergency dental services (SEDS) unit based at the University Dental Hospital of Manchester.

Data pertaining to every student attending SEDS since its inception were collected by means of questionnaire including provision to record diagnoses, treatment needs and the emergency care provided.

The incidence of dental emergencies within the student population served by SEDS has been found to be 39 emergencies per 1000 students per annum, with the service being most heavily used by overseas students. Caries, pulpal pathology and failed restorations account for 46 per cent of the presenting emergencies, with pericoronitis (19 per cent) and other emergencies of periodontal origin (14 per cent) being common place.

It is concluded that a student emergency dental service may be found to be an important element of student medical and related welfare services.