A pilot survey of dental health in a group of drug and alcohol abusers.

This study was designed to provide a broad estimate of the level of dental disease in a group of patients attending a Regional Addiction Unit, and outline some of the perceptions of this group with regard to the importance of dental health and gaining access to dental services. In a survey of consecutive patients admitted to a day Hospital Service at a Regional Addictions Psychiatry Unit, 50 patients were with either opiate or alcohol dependence were surveyed and asked a range of questions in relation to their dental health. A basic dental examination was carried out. The majority of patients had either moderate or severe dental disease. Disease levels were higher among opiate abusers compared to alcohol abusers. A large majority of patients had experienced dental problems within the preceding year and there was found to be a problem in accessing dental care for this group of patients. Improving dental care for this group of patients presents various challenges given the high rates of dental disease and poor access to dental services.