Volunteer Dental Services in Field Hospitals During the Arbaeen Pilgrimage: An Analysis of Patient Demographics and Treatment Outcomes

Abstract

Oral health is a fundamental component of overall health and quality of life. In recent years, specialized dental services have become increasingly significant, especially during mass gatherings like the Arbaeen pilgrimage. This article examines the emergency dental services provided by a volunteer team at the Ali Ibn Musa Al-Reza (AS) field clinic. This cross-sectional, descriptive-analytical study evaluated the dental services offered at the clinic during the 2019 Arbaeen pilgrimage over a one-week period. A total of 810 patients (58% male and 42% female) received dental care. The most common services included tooth extractions (248 cases, 30.61%), consultations and medication (418 cases, 51.60%), pulpotomy (71 cases, 8.76%), dressings (34 cases, 4.19%), restorations (37 cases, 4.56%), dry socket treatment (1 case, 0.12%), suture removal (24 cases, 2.96%), crown cementation (8 cases, 0.98%), and abscess drainage (1 case, 0.12%). Improving oral health requires initiatives that promote self-care. Dental issues across various age groups, including adolescents, underscore the need for strategic planning and policy development during mass gatherings like Arbaeen. Preventive measures, along with enhanced infrastructure and participation in dental services, are essential for future events.