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Alcohol abuse in dental patients
1University Department of Oral Medicine, Surgery and Pathology, Bristol Dental School and Hospital.
British Dental Journal
|November 24, 1990
Summary
Alcohol dependence affects 11% of dental patients, similar to the general population. Few patients were intoxicated during dental visits, with dependent individuals more likely to attend morning appointments.
Area of Science:
- Oral Health
- Addiction Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Alcohol abuse presents significant challenges in British healthcare.
- Prevalence of alcohol intoxication and dependence in dental patients remains under-investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of alcohol intoxication and dependence among dental patients.
- To compare these rates with the general population and with dermatology out-patients.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 225 dental patients (primary care, oral surgery, minor oral surgery) and 50 dermatology out-patients.
- Breath analysis for blood alcohol concentration and the CAGE questionnaire for alcohol dependence assessment.
Main Results:
- 11% of dental patients exhibited alcohol dependence, mirroring national figures.
- Only 1% of all patients showed intoxication; dependent patients favored morning appointments.
- No significant differences in intoxication or dependence were found between dental patient groups or compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Alcohol dependence is prevalent in dental settings at rates comparable to the general population.
- Intoxication during dental appointments is rare, but dependent patients may prefer morning visits.
- Routine screening for alcohol dependence in dental settings may be warranted.