Self-Reported Dental Visits Among Older Adults Receiving Home- and Community-Based Services

Abstract

Objective: To investigate factors associated with infrequent dental use among older adults receiving home- and community-based services. Method: This cross-sectional study analyzed responses from the 2014 National Survey of Older Americans Act participants who received home- and community-based services. Descriptive and multivariable analyses were conducted to examine the association between infrequent dental use and key sociodemographic and health indicators. Results: Infrequent dental use was highest among adults participating in case management and home-delivered meals (63%); the lowest among those participating in congregate meals (41%). Participants who did not complete high school were 2 to 5 times more likely to be infrequent dental users compared to those with educational attainment beyond high school. Discussion: Among older adults receiving home- and community-based services, improving oral health knowledge and health literacy may reduce infrequent dental use.

Is dental education meeting the oral health needs of older adults?

“…The situation is aggravated by the fact that dental care is often overlooked as part of overall healthcare and oral healthcare is not adequately reimbursed for the complexity of care. The above‐mentioned issues compounded with the cumulative demands to care for the aging population and improving their care in the United States will not take place without care coordination and integrated efforts where the mouth is seen as part of the body and oral health as essential to overall health 6,20,21,35 …”

“…The above-mentioned issues compounded with the cumulative demands to care for the aging population and improving their care in the United States will not take place without care coordination and integrated efforts where the mouth is seen as part of the body and oral health as essential to overall health. 6,20,21,35…”

“…Approximately 85% of older adults have at least one chronic health condition and 60% have at least two; 36% use five or more prescription medications, and 25% have behavior health problems 4,5 . In 2015, and according to Healthy People 2020, only 46% of people aged 65 and older in the United States had a dentist visit within a year 6 . Furthermore, 66% have periodontitis, and 16% have untreated tooth decay, which highlights the need for integral change by promoting oral health for the geriatric population 7–10 .…”

“…4,5 In 2015, and according to Healthy People 2020, only 46% of people aged 65 and older in the United States had a dentist visit within a year. 6 Furthermore, 66% have periodontitis, and 16% have untreated tooth decay, which highlights the need for integral change by promoting oral health for the geriatric population. [7][8][9][10] As oral diseases demonstrate a strong association with systemic diseases, poor oral health has been linked to negative health outcomes.…”