Evaluation of Emergency Dental Extractions and Analgesic Prescription Patterns at Primary Healthcare Centres in Kaduna State

Primary healthcare centres (PHCs) serve as the first point of contact for the majority of patients in Nigeria's healthcare system, including those presenting with acute dental pain requiring emergency extractions. The quality of oral surgical care and rational use of analgesics at this level has not been adequately studied in the North West geopolitical zone. This cross-sectional study evaluates the pattern of emergency dental extractions, the analgesics prescribed, and the competency of personnel performing extractions at selected PHCs in Kaduna State. Data were collected from 18 PHCs through facility assessment forms, structured interviews with healthcare workers, and review of clinic registers over a three-month period. Results indicate that the majority of extractions at PHCs are performed by community health extension workers (CHEWs) rather than dentists or dental therapists, often without radiographic pre-assessment. Analgesic prescription was predominantly tramadol and ibuprofen, with documentation of drug dosage and duration frequently incomplete. A significant number of patients reported inadequate pain relief following treatment. The findings highlight systemic gaps in oral surgical service provision at the primary care level in Kaduna State and call for structured clinical refresher training for CHEWs in basic oral surgery and analgesic stewardship. Keywords: emergency dental extraction, analgesics, primary healthcare, Kaduna, CHEWs.