Geriatric dentistry, teaching and future directions

Abstract

Background: Many nations are facing a demographic shift in the age profile of their population, leading the World Health Organization to a 'Call for Public Health Action' on the oral health of older people. Methods: A search of the literature relevant to geriatric dentistry teaching was undertaken using MEDLINE, Web of Science, Eric and Psychlit. A search of dental professional school websites in Australia and policy and international practice documents was undertaken. Results: The international literature describes requirements for geriatric dentistry courses and various approaches to teaching, including didactic teaching, practical experiences and external placements. Challenges are identified in the area of geriatric dental education. Educational institutions (with others) have an obligation to lead change, yet there appears to be little formal recognition in Australian dental curricula of the need to develop quality education and research programmes in geriatric dentistry. Conclusions: Internationally, the inclusion of geriatrics within dental curricula has been the subject of consideration since the 1970s. The current evidence indicates that geriatrics/gerodontology is not a significant component of dental curricula. Given the projected age distribution in many countries, the need for implementation of dental curriculum content in the area of geriatrics/gerodontology is evident.

Does residential aged care need dental professionals? A qualitative study on dental professionals' perceptions in Australia

“…The growing ageing population in Australia, the likelihood of increased numbers of older Australians entering residential aged care, often with complex oral health conditions and increased comorbidities associated with oral health, suggests the need to critically review barriers and enablers to providing high-quality oral health care in such settings 36 . While findings suggest that interprofessional practice, often also involving the family in caring for their relative may be challenging, it reflects broader trends in health care that have beneficial effects on health outcomes.…”

“…This approach also provides an opportunity for building capacity in knowledge, skills and experience across disciplines to ensure oral health care for this population group is not forgotten or avoided. The growing ageing population in Australia, the likelihood of increased numbers of older Australians entering residential aged care, often with complex oral health conditions and increased comorbidities associated with oral health, suggests the need to critically review barriers and enablers to providing high-quality oral health care in such settings 36 .…”

Higher education in Gerodontology in European Universities

“…A web-survey in Chile has shown that 84% of the dental schools taught some aspects of Gerodontology in the undergraduate curricula [29], while in Australia Gerodontology is not currently a significant component of dental curricula [30]. …”

Postdoctoral Teaching of Geriatric Dentistry in U.S. Dental Schools

“…28 These authors stated, "Unlike some other countries, Australia has no recognized specialty for gerodontology. 28 These authors stated, "Unlike some other countries, Australia has no recognized specialty for gerodontology.…”

“…Slack-Smith et al, in a review commissioned for a special supplement of the Australian Dental Journal, supported the concept that geriatric dentistry should be a specialty and not part of special care or special needs dentistry. 28 These authors stated, "Unlike some other countries, Australia has no recognized specialty for gerodontology. There need to be decisions made as to whether special needs dentistry is an appropriate specialty to progress geriatric dentistry education and care in Australia, or whether gerodontology should be a specialty in its own right."…”