The Anamnesis and Epidemiology

Abstract

A complete understanding of the anamnesis—the collected data concerning a patient—is mandatory for the dental practitioner. As an aid to this complete understanding, a working knowledge of epidemiology is helpful. The facts concerning the prevalence of various diseases are determined by epidemiologic methods. Likewise, epidemiology provides a better knowledge of disease, which leads to better therapy, if not prevention. Dental epidemiology is very advanced in providing base-line information pertinent to dental problems. Information is obtained from various sources, and different means are used in obtaining this information. When a significant group has been evaluated, the data is accumulated, organized and classified in various groups according to age, occupation, sex, or any other factors. The advent of automatic data processing has simplified the tabulation of data. The field work necessary in accumulation of the data and the plan of action comprises the bulk of time in epidemiologic investigations at this time. While work of this type is not expected of the general dentist, the results are of importance to the patient and practitioner. Furthermore, it is desirable that the practitioner incorporate the epidemiologic method on a small scale into his practice.