Geriatric oral health issues in the United States

Abstract

Of the more than 270 million people in the United States, about 13 per cent are aged 65 years or older. As in most other countries throughout the world, this proportion of the population is projected to increase in the coming years. To care for this ageing and racially/ethnically diverse population, health care professionals, especially dentists, must initiate changes in public policies, available resources and access to services. The dental profession especially must improve awareness among the general public and health care professionals of the link between oral health and general health. Immediate improvements should be made to increase the proportion of dentists who are willing and qualified to treat these patient groups. Increasing the reimbursement rates available through the Medicaid programme and expanding the types of services Medicaid recipients can seek are critical. Dental education programmes must continue to provide more training opportunities to prepare professionals to meet the needs of these patients.

Barriers to dental care for older minority adults

“…According to Berkey et al ., “To care for this ageing and racially/ethnically diverse population, health care professionals, especially dentists, must initiate changes in public policies, available resources and access to services. The dental profession especially must improve awareness among the general public and health care professionals of the link between oral health and general health” . Most participants had a physician who they saw on a regular basis for chronic health problems.…”

ARTICLE: Oral health status of older adults in Kentucky: results from the Kentucky Elder Oral Health Survey

“…Studies 3–5 suggest that older adults are less likely to visit a dentist than younger populations. Obtaining adequate oral health care is particularly problematic for older Americans who reside in a long‐term care (nursing home) facilities 6–8 …”

“…Obtaining adequate oral health care is particularly problematic for older Americans who reside in a long-term care (nursing home) facilities. [6][7][8]…”

An ageing population poses dental challenges

“…Falling birth rates have combined with increases in longevity, with the result that older people make up an increasing proportion of the population [1]. The most striking example of this phenomenon is Japan, where people aged 65þ currently make up 23% of the population and are expected to reach 38% by 2050 [2].…”