OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the drug profile of patients attending general dental practice and to assess the significance of this for the provision of dental care. DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective study of adult patients attending five general dental practices in Merseyside. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients were questioned about prescribed medication. The data were analysed to assess any potential oral side-effects, pertinent drug interactions, or potential complications of dental treatment. RESULTS: A total of 1103 patients were recruited; of these, 287 (26%) were taking systemic medication. CONCLUSION: Approximately a quarter of dental patients attending for routine dental care were taking prescribed medication. The majority of these drugs have significant implications for the general dental practitioner.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the drug profile of patients attending general dental practice and to assess the significance of this for the provision of dental care. DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective study of adult patients attending five general dental practices in Merseyside. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Patients were questioned about prescribed medication. The data were analysed to assess any potential oral side-effects, pertinent drug interactions, or potential complications of dental treatment. RESULTS: A total of 1103 patients were recruited; of these, 287 (26%) were taking systemic medication. CONCLUSION: Approximately a quarter of dental patients attending for routine dental care were taking prescribed medication. The majority of these drugs have significant implications for the general dental practitioner.