(PO56) Evaluating Patient, Provider, and Neighborhood Characteristics Related to Loss to Follow-Up in Post-Root Canal Treatment Patients at a University Dental Center

Abstract: Since university endodontic clinics often have a high loss to follow-up (LTFU), this study aimed to examine LTFU in post-root canal treatment patients related to patient-, provider-, and neighborhood-level factors to better understand the dynamics influencing patient follow-up. In this retrospective observational cohort study, deidentified data from 17,159 root canal procedures completed from 2003-2022 were extracted from AxiUm electronic health records (EHR) at university dental clinics. The study utilized a root canal therapy (RCT) recall EHR code to determine LTFU in adults receiving RCT. Variables examined included provider type; tooth type and arch; patient gender, age, primary language, and insurance status; year; and ZIP code-level social determinants of health. Logistic regression with odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) was used to evaluate factors related to LTFU. Overall, LTFU was 84%. Preliminary analyses showed LTFU varied significantly by provider type. Endodontic faculty and resident-treated patients had 77% and 78% LTFU, respectively, whereas patients treated by other providers had LTFU rates from 90% to 98%. Additionally, patients with a non-English primary language were 1.2 times (95% CI: 1.1-1.4) less likely to be LTFU versus English-speaking patients. Findings suggest a complex interplay of provider type, language, calendar year, and other factors influencing patient follow-up after RCT. The marked difference in follow-up rates based on provider type and primary language underscores the need for further investigation. A prospective evaluation of additional factors related to LTFU is underway.