Western Kentucky University
Oral Health Burden: Geriatric Patients and Their Lack of Access to Oral Health Care
Abstract
The Geriatric population is amongst the most underserved in the dental community. There is a lack of oral health education for health care workers and residents in long term care facilities and therefore, this population of patients have a lack of access to care and face a tremendous oral health burden. Additionally, elderly residents must rely on others to bring them to their dental visits. Often times, patients 65 and older are on Medicare, which does not include dental coverage. Long term health care facilities and their knowledge and of oral care and diseases commonly associated with elderly patients is unfortunately lacking. There has been a recent increase in research on the oral systemic link and the detrimental effects it can have on the health of the elderly population. Caregivers, families, and residents deserve to be educated on the impact of the oral systemic link on their overall health. In addition to providing education, evoking change within the Dental Hygiene profession and scope of practice promotes access to care for all populations and is vital to ensuring all patients, regardless of their health disparities, have access to dental care. Collection of new research and data has the potential to impact the dental workforce and hygienist’s scope of practice, influence legislators, and bring awareness within the dental field on the burden of oral disease within the geriatric population. Presentation and awareness of this disparity is instrumental for advocating for legislative changes and creating inclusion for patients in the most need. Revealing this health burden provides direction for future focus and advocation efforts for the geriatric population and helps increase understanding in areas that need more focus.
Oral Health Burden: Geriatric Patients and Their Lack of Access to Oral Health Care
The Geriatric population is amongst the most underserved in the dental community. There is a lack of oral health education for health care workers and residents in long term care facilities and therefore, this population of patients have a lack of access to care and face a tremendous oral health burden. Additionally, elderly residents must rely on others to bring them to their dental visits. Often times, patients 65 and older are on Medicare, which does not include dental coverage. Long term health care facilities and their knowledge and of oral care and diseases commonly associated with elderly patients is unfortunately lacking. There has been a recent increase in research on the oral systemic link and the detrimental effects it can have on the health of the elderly population. Caregivers, families, and residents deserve to be educated on the impact of the oral systemic link on their overall health. In addition to providing education, evoking change within the Dental Hygiene profession and scope of practice promotes access to care for all populations and is vital to ensuring all patients, regardless of their health disparities, have access to dental care. Collection of new research and data has the potential to impact the dental workforce and hygienist’s scope of practice, influence legislators, and bring awareness within the dental field on the burden of oral disease within the geriatric population. Presentation and awareness of this disparity is instrumental for advocating for legislative changes and creating inclusion for patients in the most need. Revealing this health burden provides direction for future focus and advocation efforts for the geriatric population and helps increase understanding in areas that need more focus.