Future projections of child oral-related hospital admission rates in Western Australia

Alla Alsharif, Estie Kruger, Marc Tennant

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    8 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    © La Trobe University 2015.This study aimed to project the hospital admission rates of Western Australian children for oral conditions, with a particular focus on dental caries, embedded and impacted teeth, and pulp and periapical conditions through to the year 2026. Two methods were used to generate projection data through to the year 2026, using the Western Australian Hospital Morbidity Dataset for the period 1999-2000 to 2008-2009. The projected admission rate increase in those children aged 14 years and younger from 2000 to 2026 was 43%. The admission rates are expected to more than double over time (7317 cases in 2026 compared to only 3008 cases in 2000) for those children living in metropolitan areas. Dental caries, embedded and impacted teeth, and pulp and periapical conditions will remain the top (mostly) preventable causes of admission throughout this time. Anticipating the future burden of oral-related hospital admissions in children, in terms of expected numbers of cases, is vital for optimising the resource allocation for early diagnosis, prevention and treatment. A concerted effort will be required by policymakers and oral healthcare communities to effect substantial change for the future.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)491-496
    Number of pages6
    JournalAustralian Journal of Primary Health
    Volume22
    Issue number6
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2016

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