Older adults and those living in rural areas have been identified as part of the 50% of Americans who do not have access to regular oral health care. Healthy Vermonters 2010 objectives identified cost and lack of understanding of the benefits of oral care as the most common reasons for Vermonters not visiting a dentist. The purpose of this project is to improve the oral health practices of older adults by increasing their knowledge of oral health practices.This project is part of the first phase of a larger oral health promption initiative.The first phase will include interventions to adress older adult oral health care needs using an educational program offered to low income seniors living in congregate housing at various locations in Chittenden County,Vermont. Demograhpic,impact and outcome data will be collected and analyzed. A follow-up survey will be done three months after the initial presentation to further assess impact and outcome.Anticipated results for participants includes inceased knowledge of routine oral health care, it's role in their over all health and improved utilization of the oral health care system.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of session ,the paticipant will be able to: 1) Describe interventions utilized to increase oral health knowledge in older adults
Keywords: Oral Health, Health Promotion
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.