Access to Dental Care Among Older Adults in the United States

Abstract

Oral health is essential to an older adult's general health and well-being. Yet, many older adults are not regular users of dental services and may experience significant barriers to receiving necessary dental care. This literature review summarizes national trends in access to dental care and dental service utilization by older adults in the United States. Issues related to geriatric dentistry and concerns about access to dental care include the increasing diversity of the older adult population, concerns about the degree to which the dental workforce is prepared to meet the oral health needs of older patients, and the adequacy of the future workforce, including concern about training opportunities in gerontology and geriatrics for dental and allied dental practitioners.

Oral health in older adults with dementia living in different environments: a propensity analysis

“…This finding differs from the results of previous studies and might result from lack of access to regular dental care in these individuals. Because of the lack of resources for dental care, physical/cognitive disability, disruptive behaviors, increased caregiver burden, lack of social support and transportation, lack of perceived oral health needs and other reasons, older adults with special needs, including those with dementia, experience more difficulties in accessing necessary dental care in comparison to their healthy counterparts . In this circumstance, although the number of filled teeth indicates past history of dental caries, to some degree, it can also reflect the ability of individuals with dementia to obtain necessary dental care, including treatment of caries.…”

“…Therefore, demented subjects who needed help in oral hygiene care were those who were moderately or severely impaired in cognition. As described above, compared to their healthy counterparts and mildly impaired patients, these individuals, especially those LTC residents, are less likely to receive necessary dental care, including tooth extraction, because of language impairment, behavior issues, and other reasons . Therefore, it was possible for moderately or severely impaired patients to present with more teeth, including multiple retained roots and/or hopeless teeth, than those less impaired patients, as a result of lack of access to routine dental care over a long period of time.…”

Correlates of attitudes and perceived behavioural control towards oral care provision among trained and untrained nursing home caregivers in Singapore

“…Common barriers to dental services include cost, lack of perceived need, transportation difficulties, and the physical and functional limitations of the older residents (Dolan et al . ). In addition to the need for treatment by the professional dental team, there is also a need for regular maintenance of oral hygiene care.…”

Medical considerations relating to the oral health of older adults

“…Older adults who can afford oral health care often face other barriers; 30% report having trouble getting to a dental office due to frailty or other issues. These problems are especially magnified for those who live in long term care settings . These issues will only get worse with the number of seniors doubling by 2030 as Baby Boomers swell the ranks of the population 65+ to 78 million.…”