ANALYSIS OF DENTAL CARE UTILIZATION AMONG MIDDLE-AGED AND ELDERLY PATIENTS IN THE CLINIC OF THE STATE ESTABLISHMENT «INSTITUTE OF DENTISTRY AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF MEDICAL SCIENCES OF UKRAINE»: A 12-MONTH OBSERVATIONAL ST

Abstract

Introduction. Oral health in older adults is one of the priority areas of modern medicine, since the prevalence of dental caries, periodontal diseases, mucosal pathology and complications of prosthetic treatment increases with age. Middle-aged and elderly patients are characterized by the accumulation of concomitant somatic conditions, changes in oral hygiene behavior, reduced tissue resistance and increased clinical needs. The relevance of this study is determined by the necessity to identify the structure of referrals for specialized dental care within the framework of public funding (NSZU Package No. 34) and to assess age- and gender-related trends among older patient groups.The aim of the study was to determine the age, gender and nosological profile of dental care utilization among patients aged 45–75 years who sought specialized dental services at the Clinic of the State Establishment “Institute of Dentistry and Maxillofacial Surgery of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine,” and to evaluate the dynamics of these indicators over a 12-month observation period.Materials and methods. A retrospective analysis of electronic reports submitted to the National Health Service of Ukraine (NSZU) under Package No. 34 “Dental Care for Adults and Children” was conducted. The study included data on unique patients aged 18–80 years, from whom two target age groups were identified: 45–60 and 61–75 years. The total number of referrals, age and gender distribution, and the frequency of major dental diagnoses according to ICD-10 were analyzed. Monthly comparisons were used to assess the dynamics of diagnoses over the 12-month period.Results. Patients aged 45–60 and 61–75 years accounted for 39.2–46.1% of all referrals throughout the year. Women predominated in both age groups (≈70%). The most common diagnoses were dentin caries, other types of caries, pulpitis, chronic periodontitis and routine dental examinations. Elderly patients demonstrated a substantially higher frequency of periodontal diseases compared with middle-aged individuals, whereas enamel caries was more frequently diagnosed in the 45–60 age group, and cement caries was typical for older adults (3–6%). Oral mucosal pathology occurred 3–5 times more often in the 61–75 age group. The dynamics of diagnoses showed wave-like fluctuations without clear seasonal or progressive trends.Conclusions. Middle-aged and elderly patients constitute a significant proportion of those seeking specialized dental care. The structure of dental diagnoses demonstrates age-specific differences: enamel and dentin caries predominate in middle-aged individuals, whereas periodontal diseases and oral mucosal pathology are more common in elderly patients. The obtained results reflect typical clinical needs of older age groups and may be used to optimize planning, resource allocation and preventive strategies in specialized dental institutions.