Prosthodontic, Periodontal, and Other Common Needs of Older Adults Seeking Treatment at a Canadian Dental School: A 30-year Comparison

Abstract

Aims and objectives:To assess the needs of older adults over the age of 65 currently attending a university-based dental clinic and to compare the findings with a similar study done at the same locale, approximately 30 years ago. Materials and methods: Electronic records of patients aged 65 years and over, accepted for treatment at the clinic during the period 2015 and 2016 were reviewed and the following information obtained: gender, marital status, habits such as smoking, health history, current medication, chief complaint, missing teeth, and the treatment needs. Hard tissue abnormalities were recorded if the chart contained a recent panoramic radiograph. The findings were compared to those obtained from patients over 65 years of age, at this institution almost three decades ago. Results: Older patients seeking care at this university dental clinic required less need for removable complete, and partial dentures and periodontal surgical procedures but more fixed prosthesis than a similarly aged cohort of patients visiting this same institution nearly 30 years ago. Conclusion: Practicing dentists must be cognizant of the changing trends in needs in this increasing population group. Further, dental school curriculums must reflect the current realities in oral needs among older adults, integrating innovative changes in education utilizing an interdisciplinary approach.