Streamlining Emergency Dental Access: The Loire Experiment

For over two years,the Loire department in France has been piloting an innovative approach to emergency dental care,integrating dental surgeons directly into the SAMU 42 (emergency medical service) call center. This initiative,launched in February 2022,aimed to improve access to care for patients experiencing dental emergencies during weekends and holidays.

Jean-Pierre d’Angelo, president of the Order of Dentists in the Loire, confirmed the success of the program, stating, For the past month, the system has returned to normal medical activity. This validation underscores the program’s effectiveness in addressing a critical need within the community.

How the system Works: A Multi-Faceted Approach

The program operates by having two dental surgeons stationed at the Saint-Etienne University Hospital’s call center on Sundays and holidays (8 a.m. to 2 p.m.). When individuals call 15 (the french emergency number) with dental complaints – ranging from severe toothache to gum infections – operators redirect them to these on-site dental professionals.

These dental surgeons then conduct thorough assessments, offering advice, issuing electronic prescriptions, and, when necessary, directing patients to one of five designated omnipractic dental practices across the Loire department. these practices are strategically located in areas such as Plaine du Forez, Roanne, Saint-Etienne, and the Gier valley, ensuring geographical coverage.

Addressing the Dental Desert: A Critical Need

The Loire department, like many rural areas in France, faces a significant shortage of dentists. D’Angelo notes, We know a deficit of dentists in the Loire, especially in Saint-Etienne, in the valleys of Ondaine and Gier, the Roannais, and the haut Forez. We are a medical desert even if it is indeed not comparable to departments like Cantal or Creuse. This scarcity of dental professionals exacerbates the challenges of accessing timely care, particularly for emergency situations.

According to a 2024 report by the French Ministry of Health, approximately 10% of the french population lives in areas classified as “dental deserts,” where access to dental care is significantly limited. This initiative in the Loire department serves as a potential model for addressing this nationwide issue.

The Impact: Reduced Strain and Improved Patient Care

The integration of dental surgeons into the SAMU 42 call center has had a tangible impact on the efficiency of the emergency medical system.By providing specialized dental expertise, the program has helped to unclog the SAMU-15 call lines and reduce the burden on general dental practices.

Nicolas Desseigne,medical manager of the SAMU 42,aptly summarized the program’s core principle at its launch: This device is the right patient in the right place managed by the right person. This sentiment highlights the program’s focus on optimizing resource allocation and ensuring that patients receive the appropriate level of care in a timely manner.

Dentists’ Commitment: A Collaborative Effort

The success of the loire initiative hinges on the dedication of local dental professionals.D’Angelo emphasizes the commitment of dentists to participate in the on-call service, stating, Dental surgeons have obligation to participate in the daycare service. He also acknowledges the significant contribution of volunteer dentists who dedicate their Sundays and holidays to managing emergency calls, handling between 100 and 140 calls each day.

The Order of Dental Surgeons continues to play a vital role in managing the system, with two individuals permanently dedicated to overseeing the on-call service and ensuring its smooth operation. This ongoing commitment underscores the importance of collaboration between healthcare professionals and regulatory bodies in addressing critical healthcare needs.

Looking Ahead: A Potential Blueprint for National Expansion?

The positive feedback and demonstrated success of the emergency dental care initiative in the Loire department raise the question of its potential for broader implementation. as France grapples with the challenge of dental deserts and unequal access to care, this innovative model offers a promising solution for streamlining emergency dental services and improving patient outcomes. Further evaluation and potential expansion of this program could significantly contribute to addressing the pressing need for accessible and timely dental care across the nation.