Objective: To record the drug therapy taken by patients presenting to general dental practice in the United Kingdom in 1995 and 2005 and compare to data reported in 1984.1
Method: 199 consecutive patients attending a general dental practice in North Shields, Northumberland in 1995 and 500 consecutive patients attending a general dental practice in Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire in 2005 were prospectively questioned regarding their current drug therapy. The medications were classified according to the British National Formulary 52. The data obtained were compared to those reported by Hemsley in 19841 by Chi square analysis.
Results: 35%, 21.1% and 43.8% of patients were taking medications in 1984, 1995 and 2005 respectively. Changes occurred in the number and types of medication taken. A statistically significant increase in the proportion taking three or more medications occurred over time (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: The results of this study show that more patients presenting to dental practices in the United Kingdom in 2005 were taking medication compared to 1984. There is an increasing trend toward polypharmacy among patients attending general dental practices in the United Kingdom.
1. Hemsley SM. Drug therapy in general practice. Brit Dent J 1984;157: 24