Higher education in Gerodontology in European Universities

Abstract

BackgroundThe rapid aging of the European population and the subsequent increase in the oral care needs in older adults necessitates adequate training of dental professionals in Gerodontology (Geriatric Dentistry). This study was designed to investigate the current status of Gerodontology teaching amongst European dental schools at the undergraduate, postgraduate and continuing education levels.MethodsAn electronic questionnaire was developed by a panel of experts and emailed to the Deans or other contact persons of 216 dental schools across 39 European countries. The questionnaire recorded activity levels, contents and methodology of Gerodontology teaching as part of dental education programs. Repeated e-mail reminders and telephone calls were used to encourage non-responders to complete the questionnaire.ResultsA total of 123 responses from 29 countries were received (response rate: 56.9%). Gerodontology was taught in 86.2% of schools at the undergraduate level, in 30.9% at the postgraduate level and in 30.1% at the continuing education level. A total of 43.9% of the responding schools had a dedicated Gerodontology program director. Gerodontology was taught as an independent subject in 37.4% of the respondent schools. Medical problems in old age, salivary impairment and prosthodontic management were the most commonly covered topics in Gerodontology teaching. Clinical teaching took place in 64.2% of the respondent schools, with 26.8% offering clinical training in outreach facilities.ConclusionsThe vast majority of European dental schools currently teach Gerodontology at the undergraduate level. More training opportunities in oral care of frail elders should be offered, and more emphasis should be placed on interdisciplinary and interprofessional training, educational collaborations, and the use of modern technologies. Dedicated postgraduate Gerodontology courses need to be developed to create a significant number of specialized dentists and trained academics.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12903-017-0362-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

An Expert Opinion from the European College of Gerodontology and the European Geriatric Medicine Society: European Policy Recommendations on Oral Health in Older Adults

“…Poor mobility and low use of smart solutions supporting elderly mobility in public transportation may render access to dental care difficult Lack of professional support, including limited training of dental professionals in caring for frail and care‐dependent older people, and poor knowledge of oral health of non‐dental care providers . In nursing homes, common findings are inadequate oral care training of caregivers, limitations in time and staff, and negative attitudes toward providing oral hygiene for frail older residents …”

Teaching undergraduate geriatric dentistry in five South America countries

“…20 In 2016, the inclusion of GD was recommended as part of the compulsory study plan for European dental practitioners. 21 Currently, a few countries in Europe do not include this subject content in DSs. [20][21][22] In most DSs, GD is a compulsory element but is not offered as an independent subject.…”

“…21 Currently, a few countries in Europe do not include this subject content in DSs. [20][21][22] In most DSs, GD is a compulsory element but is not offered as an independent subject. 21 In Japan, of the 29 DSs, 19 did not have a specific GD component, and the prosthetic area was responsible for the study plans of geriatrics in undergraduate and postgraduate studies.…”

“…[20][21][22] In most DSs, GD is a compulsory element but is not offered as an independent subject. 21 In Japan, of the 29 DSs, 19 did not have a specific GD component, and the prosthetic area was responsible for the study plans of geriatrics in undergraduate and postgraduate studies. 23 Although the results of this study cannot affirm these findings, this format does not appear to be the reality observed in South American DSs.…”

Dental participation in geriatric interprofessional education courses: A systematic review

“…5 Dentistry's contribution has been undervalued in geriatric interdisciplinary teams, as well as the impact of oral health on the older patient's well-being. 4 A 2017 survey on gerodontology education at the European dental schools revealed that the "interdisciplinary management of the ageing individual" was theoretically taught by 41% of the responding schools, 17 but there is currently limited information on the participation of dentists in formal IPE courses in geriatrics.…”