Survey of Trends Among New Outpatients Attending the Oral Diagnosis Department of Meikai University Hospital in a Two-year Period

Abstract

We conducted a clinical and statistical survey of new outpatients presenting for medical consultation at the oral diagnosis department of Meikai University Hospital in the two years from 2013 to 2014. The total number of new outpatients in 2013 was 4,438 (1,910 males, 2,528 females) and that in 2014 was 4,321 (1,890 males, 2,431 females), females considerably outnumbering males in both years. In terms of age class, 300 patients were less than 19 years old, and patients in the 20–50-year and in the 70-year age groups numbered about 600 each in both years. In terms of the monthly number of patients seen, many presented between March and July in 2013, and many presented in March, June, and July in 2014. Toothache was the most common complaint in both years. Examination of patients' medical histories revealed an increase of patients with so-called lifestyle-related diseases such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes. Our findings suggest the need to carry out regular surveys of patient trends in order to address the diversifying needs of local residents.