Lay summary
More than half of the people in Tairāwhiti are of Māori whakapapa. People in Tairāwhiti with severe tooth pain and gum swelling go to the hospital. They are seen in the emergency department (ED) because there is no hospital dental department. This study looks back at all dental-related visits to Tairāwhiti Hospital ED in 2024 and compares them to other hospitals in New Zealand (with dental departments). Previous research has shown these visits often involve those with greater social and financial hardship and can lead to less-than-ideal treatment, higher costs, and overuse of opioids or antibiotics. By understanding who is coming to our ED for dental care and how their needs compare with other regions, we hope to identify better, more equitable ways to manage and prevent these painful visits.