Awareness and knowledge of elder abuse and neglect among dental practitioners in Southwestern England.

Abstract

Background With the population ageing, elder abuse and neglect has become an increasing problem. Most elderly people are retaining their natural teeth and dentists are favourably positioned to detect cases of elder abuse and neglect. This study aimed to investigate the awareness, knowledge and attitudes of dentists in Dorset and Somerset Strategic Health Authority (SHA) regarding elder abuse and neglect. Methods Data was collected using a modified questionnaire from previous studies. The questionnaire was posted to all dentists in the Dorset and Somerset area in the year 2005. Demographic data as well as knowledge on elder abuse and neglect were assessed. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were carried out to allow for comparisons. Results A total of 380 out of the invited 496 dentists agreed to participate in the study (response rate 78.4%). Most participants had heard of elder abuse (84.7% [n = 321]) and neglect (78.1% [n = 296]). However, few participants had encountered specific incidents of elder abuse (8.4% [n = 32]) and neglect (11.9% [n = 45]). Dentists who treated patients from residential and nursing homes were significantly more likely to have encountered elder abuse and neglect (p < 0.001; chi-square = 14). Conclusion Incorporation of elder abuse and neglect into the curricula of dental schools and continuous education of dental professionals will help better detect and address these cases.