Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the recall rate and caries experience of children seen under general anesthesia (GA) at The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
Methods: After a retrospective chart review, information from 217ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) 1 patients undergoing GA between 1998 and 2002 was gleaned regarding: (1) date of GA; (2) age at time of GA; (3) follow-up (recall) visits; (4) referral status; (5) new caries experience; and (6) treatment of new/recurrent lesions. A 19-question survey was also mailed to parents/legal guardians for satisfaction.
Results: Survey data were not reported in this study due to the poor (25%) return rate after several attempts: 41% of the patients were referrals; 54% returned for a 2 week postoperative visit, but only 13% returned for a 6-month recall, with subsequent recoils being even lower; 72% were insured by Medicaid; and 25% had recurrent or new lesions at follow-up appointments.
Conclusion: Recall rates after general anesthesia for dental treatment at a university hospital are very low, and new or recurrent caries experience is high.