Facing the Challenges of Oral Health Care for Seniors

The National Network for Oral Health Access (NNOHA), in collaboration with the National Center for Equitable Care for Elders, hosted this presentation on the challenges of oral health care for seniors. Leonard Brennan, DMD, is the Co-Director of the Harvard School of Dentistry's Geriatric Fellowship Program and clinical instructor in their Department of Oral Health Policy and Epidemiology. Dr. Brennan discussed the characteristics of the senior population that directly affect elder oral health care delivery, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. The emphasis is on the important connections between oral health and the total health of elder individuals. Also discussed is the failure of the health care system to adequately diagnose oral cancer and provide early treatment that could improve the survival rates and the quality of life for many seniors. 

Learning Objectives

1. Review the dental demographics of the senior population in the U.S.
2. Describe current trends in oral health in older adults.
3. Describe functional status and oral health in aging.
4. List the ten most common oral health concerns of the elder population.

Webinar Resources

Access the webinar recording on the NCECE YouTube channel. To request presentation slides, contact NCECE via email.