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Lookup NU author(s): Dr John Meechan
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Introduction: Drug therapy can influence treatment planning and provision of dental care by general dental practitioners. There is little published information regarding the types of drug therapy taken by patients presenting for dental treatment in the United Kingdom. Objective: To record the drug therapy taken by patients presenting to general dental practice in 1995 and 2005 and compare to data reported in 1984. Setting: General dental practice. Study design: Prospective cross-sectional study. Method: Patients presenting to general dental practices in 1995 and 2005 were questioned regarding their current drug therapy. Patients' general medical practitioners were contacted if their drug history was unclear. Results: 35%, 21.1% and 43.8% of patients were taking medications in 1984, 1995 and 2005 respectively. Statistically significant increases in the proportion taking three or more medications were evident in both 1995 and 2005. Discussion: In 2005 more patients presenting to dental practice were taking medications compared to 1984. There is an increasing trend toward polypharmacy. Therefore it is important to maintain a contemporaneous knowledge of pharmacology and drug interactions to ensure the provision of safe dental care. © 2007 Nature Publishing Group.
Author(s): Carter LM, McHenry IDS, Godlington FL, Meechan JG
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: British Dental Journal
Year: 2007
Volume: 203
Issue: 4
Pages: -
ISSN (print): 0007-0610
ISSN (electronic): 1476-5373
Publisher: Nature Publishing Group
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/bdj.2007.629
DOI: 10.1038/bdj.2007.629
PubMed id: 17632459
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