Dental patients were surveyed to determine the medications they were using and to compile information on their medical histories. Complete survey forms were obtained from 4,365 patients who were seen for emergency treatment or for diagnosis and treatment planning between August 1975 and July 1976. Of the patients surveyed, 1,833 (42%) were taking medications. The frequency of intake of different drug groups was: analgesics, 14.2%; oral contraceptives, 12.1%; antihypertensives, 9.4%; miscellaneous (vitamins, antacids, anorectics, nonprescription cold remedies), 9.4%; psychotherapeutic agents, 7.6%; hormones, 6.6%; antibiotics, 4.9%; antihistamines, 3.8%; cardiac agents, 3.1%; hypoglycemics, 2.0%; anticonvulsants, 0.9%; antiasthmatics, 0.6%; and anticoagulants, 0.2%. At least one significant medical problem was reported by 2.989 patients (68.5%). The frequency of positive responses in the various groups was: hospitalizations, 40.5%; genitourinary problems, 19.8%; allergies, 19.2%; respiratory problems, 17.9%; gastrointestinal problems, 15.5%; cardiovascular disorders, 15.1%; musculoskeletal disorders, 12.6%; eye and ear afflictions, 8.3%; endocrine disorders, 6.5%; serious illness, 6.5%; disorders of the central nervous system, 5.9%; and disorders of integument, 4.9%