A survey of dental treatment under general anesthesia at the Gyeongnam Dental Clinic Center for the Disabled in Korea.

Background: Individuals with disabilities often face significant barriers to receiving appropriate dental care due to limited cooperation, communication difficulties, and underlying medical conditions. Dental treatment under general anesthesia (GA) is an effective alternative for patients who are unable to tolerate conventional outpatient procedures. This study aimed to analyze cases of dental treatment under GA performed at the Gyeongnam Dental Clinic Center for the Disabled and to compare them with findings from other regional centers in Korea. Methods: A retrospective review of 181 cases of dental treatment under GA performed at the Gyeongnam Center between November 8, 2022, and October 30, 2024, was conducted. Patient data, including demographic characteristics, disability type, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification, treatment type, number of GA sessions, procedure duration, and regional residence, were collected from anonymized electronic medical records. Statistical comparisons were made with findings from previous studies to assess trends and clinical implications. Results: Among the 181 patients treated under GA, 61.9% were male, with a mean age of 22.4 years. Intellectual disabilities (41.4%) and autism spectrum disorder (28.6%) were the most common indications. Most patients were classified as ASA class II (60.8%) and underwent an average of 14 procedures per session, with restorative treatment being the most frequent (43.5%). Single-session treatments were predominant (90.9%), with an average duration of 147.5 m. Most patients resided in Gyeongsangnam-do (62.4%), reflecting the center's geographic accessibility. Conclusion: This study provides foundational data on dental treatment under GA for individuals with disabilities at a regional center. The findings emphasize the need for specialized facilities, efficient treatment planning, and structured follow-up systems. Improved accessibility and financial support are essential to enhancing oral health outcomes in this population. Future studies should include pediatric cases and account for overlapping disabilities to better reflect clinical complexity.