Pattern of dental diseases among patients attending outpatient department of dental: a hospital based cross-sectional study -

Introduction:The public health problems associated with oral disease are a serious burden in India and other countries of the world. The causes of oral diseases are primarily rooted in poor socioeconomic and physical environment; unhealthy lifestyles and oral health related behaviour accordingly the action t owards improvement of oral health should be directed towards modification of unhealthy environment and behaviours. Objective:To know the pattern of dental diseases among the patients attending Dental OPD. Materials and Methods:A hospital based cross sectional study among patients attending dental OPD in a tertiary care centre of Kumaun region during a period of one year i.e. from 1 st January 2012 to 31 st December 2012. Results:A total of 8928 patients attended dental OPD. Majority of the patients (25.3%) were in the age group 30-39 years. Mostly were males (51.54%). Most common disease was dental caries (54 .54%), followed by gingivitis (37.62%), abrasion (3.82%), malocclusion (3.05%), pericoronitis (0.53%) and jaw fra cture (0.44%). Conclusion:Dental Caries was the most common disease. Majority of the patients were in 30 -39 years of age group. Health educat ion and awareness at school level and in the community might prevent tooth loss in later life.