Teledental Consultations Related to Trauma in a Swiss Telemedical Center: a Retrospective Survey

Background/aim: In addition to medical advice, telemedical centers also provide counseling on the telephone for patients with dental injuries.

Material And Methods: Data from a Swiss telemedical center during the years 2001-2008 were analyzed retrospectively.

Results: A total of 371 988 medical consultations were recorded. Of these, 3430 concerned dental problems, with 672 reports about dental trauma following accidents with 772 injuries. The patients average age was 8.6 years (range 0-73 years). About two-thirds of the cases belonged to the age group 0-6 years, and one-third to the group of 7-80 years. The reasons for calling were dislocations (53%), fractures (31.9%), and avulsions (7.9%). In 76.2% of the cases, the center was contacted on the day of the accident. The majority of the patients (60%) contacted the telemedical center during the so-called 'out of office hours' (Monday to Friday 6 pm to 8 am, and Saturday/Sunday all day).

Conclusions: Telemedicial services can be helpful for cases related to dental trauma and may provide valuable support when a dentist is not available.