Vol. 8, No. 2 August 1995 Insights Newsletter Continues:

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Care for a Lifetime
Dental Care for Ambulatory
Senior Citizens:
Getting the Word Out

Stapleton M, Watson MT

Preventative oral health initiatives have traditionally focused on young patients. However researchers and dental health experts are also directing attention to the oral health needs of the rapidly expanding elderly population. As a result of these efforts, over 60% of our senior citizens retain some or all of their natural dentition, compared to 45% in 1990.

Older patients are at risk for oral health problems, resulting from declining physical and/or mental status, medications, and reluctance or failure to seek routine dental care. The elderly population must recognize that tooth loss is preventable. They need to understand the risks associated with untreated dental disease, the signals indicating that dental care is required, the importance and value of thorough daily oral hygiene practices, as well as regular professional cleanings and examinations.

Through educational efforts, optimal oral health for the life of the individual may be ultimately attainable. Education of the patient can begin in the dental office, with brochures, audio and video tapes, and even high tech options such as interactive CD's.

The American Society for Geriatric Dentistry (ASGD) is a professional organization devoted to creating awareness of the oral health problems of the elderly. The Society's membership consists of dentists, hygienists, auxiliaries, dental researchers, dental school faculty members, and other oral health professionals. ASGD works to ensure that seniors receive quality and appropriate dental care by providing continuing education programs, promoting access to geriatric oral health-care, encouraging dental schools to provide didactic and clinical training in geriatric dentistry, and advocating expanded dental benefits for the elderly.

There are a variety of ways doctors can become involved in promoting dental care for seniors, such as:

• Volunteer at local and state dental societies, and oral health programs sponsored by these organizations.
• Promote oral health in a newsletter or special letter to older patients.
• Hold an open house for older patients and present a brief talk on dentures.
• Offer to make presentations to groups at local senior's centers.

Oral health-care providers, dentists and their staffs are the most logical instigators of the educational process. However, the educational efforts must move from the dental office to the general community.

Dental Products Report, April 1995