Health trends in a geriatric and special needs clinic patient population.
OBJECTIVE
To quantify differences and recent changes in health status among patients attending the Geriatric and Special Needs Dentistry (GSND) and Family Dentistry (FAMD) clinics at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry.


METHODS
A total of 388 randomly selected records from patients attending the GSND or FAMD clinics from 1996-2000 or from 2006-2010 were reviewed. Univariate and bivariate analyses were conducted, followed by multivariable logistic regression analyses to compare characteristics of patients across clinics.


RESULTS
Between the two GSND cohorts, the mean number of medications reported increased from 4.0 to 6.5 (p < 0.001).  Within both cohorts, mental health conditions were significantly more prevalent among patients attending the GSND than FAMD clinic (p < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Within cohorts, patients seen in the GSND clinic tended to have more medical problems than patients attending the FAMD clinic, particularly mental health conditions; and medication use was more common in the recent cohort in both GSND and FAMD clinics.
Dental Student, University of Iowa College of Dentistry & Dental Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa.
Katherine J
KJ
Lee
Professor Emeritus, Department of Prosthodontics, University of Iowa College of Dentistry & Dental Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa.
Ronald L
RL
Ettinger
Clinical Professor, Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry, University of Iowa College of Dentistry & Dental Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa.
Howard J
HJ
Cowen
Professor and Chair, Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry, University of Iowa College of Dentistry & Dental Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa.
Daniel J
DJ
Caplan
D016321:Dental Care for Aged; D017742:Dental Care for Chronically Ill; D005260:Female; D005792:General Practice, Dental; D005850:Geriatric Dentistry; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
chronic disease; demography; dental; dental care for chronically ill; education; patients