Study of dental disease pattern and drug utilization evaluation among patients visiting dental outpatient department of tertiary care center

Abstract

Background: Oral health has been an integral component of general health, with a serious impact on the quality of life and the overall well-being. Limited availability and accessibility of oral health services are risk factors for poor oral health and diseases. This study aimed to observe common dental disease pattern and to evaluate drug utilization pattern among patients visiting Dental Outpatient Department of Dhulikhel Hospital- Kathmandu University Hospital.

Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2018 to January 2019 in Dental Outpatient Department of Dhulikhel Hospital-Kathmandu University Hospital. Two hundred forty prescriptions were collected and analyzed. Descriptive statistical analysis was carried out to find out common dental disease pattern and to evaluate drug utilization pattern.

Results: Total 240 prescriptions were analyzed. Pulpitis 54 (22.5%) was the most common diagnosis, followed by periapical abscess 34 (14.16%). Out of 411 drugs prescribed, 166 (40.38%) were analgesics, 116 (28.22%) were antibiotics and 93 (22.62) were topical agents. Combination of paracetamol with ibuprofen was most commonly prescribed analgesics 133 (80.12%) and combination of amoxicillin with clavulanic acid was most commonly prescribed antibiotics 51 (43.97%). Out of all drugs prescribed, fixed dose combination was given in 194 (47.20%). Only 260 (63.26%) drugs were given by generic name and 133 (32.36%) drugs were from National List of Essential Medicines-Nepal.

Conclusions: Awareness among dental doctors for prescribing drugs by generic name and from essential drug lists should be encouraged.