ANALYSIS OF REFERRAL PATTERNS AND HEALTH CARE WORK FORCE (DENTAL SURGEONS) IN AFID

Abstract

Objective: To determine the disease pattern in AFID Rawalpindi.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Armed forces institute of dentistry (AFID) Rawalpindi.

Material and Methods: All the patients coming to outpatient department of AFID from 15 Mar 2009 to 31 Mar 2009, during the study period were included in the study. 1398 patients under-went complete clinical examination and personal interview.

Results: A total of 1398 subjects with average age 31.98 years (SD± 13.96), 963 males (68.9%) and 435 females (31.1%) participated in study. Out of 1398 patients 613 (43.8%) were referred to operative department, 427 (30.5%) to oral surgery department, 100 (7.2%) to prosthetic department, 53 (3.8%) to orthodontic department and 205 (14.7%) to periodontics department indicating high caries prevalence rate. Available doctors are sufficient to manage 648 patients. Sixty-two more dental officers are required for better management of remaining patients.

Conclusion: Substantial proportions of patient’s referral to combined periodontal and operative department at AFID shows trend towards conservative dentistry in Pakistan Army. It also means more and more patients requiring specialized treatment thus increasing the work load manifold, which requires more dental officers.