Trends in dental procedures in England and Wales: A decade of ecological analysis

Oral cavity procedures are essential for maintaining or improving oral health. In England and Wales, many factors affect these procedure trends. This study aimed to examine trends in oral cavity procedures in England and Wales from 2014 to 2023. This ecological study used main procedures and intervention data from the Patient Episode Database for Wales and the Hospital Episode Statistics database in England. The total annual number of procedures decreased by 30.1%, representing a 33.6% decrease in procedure rate from 633.67 (95% confidence interval: 631.63-635.72) in 2014 to 421.05 (95% confidence interval: 419.42-422.67) in 2023 per 100,000 person-years, trend test, P < .05. The most prevalent oral cavity procedures were "tooth and gingiva-related procedures" and "procedures related to tonsil and other parts of the mouth." Rates of all types of oral cavity procedures decreased from 2014 to 2023. Age and gender impacted the rate of oral cavity-related procedures; the 15- to 59-year age group accounted for 54.3% of the oral cavity procedures, and females contributed 53.6%. Oral cavity procedure trends were declining in England and Wales. Factors such as advancements in intervention and practical preventive approaches, the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, and demographic inequalities in access to these services have been associated with these declines.