There is ample evidence of the graying of America, with more geriatric patients living in America than have ever lived previously. The cohort of "elderly" will continue to expand until the second decade of the new millennium. Geriatric dental patients are an extremely heterogeneous group, demonstrating a vast array of medical, behavioral and dental conditions and problems. To more carefully, clearly and properly describe patients, a new Geriatric Dental Patient Index (GDPI) was developed and submitted to 117 geriatric specialists for their review and evaluation. The GDPI used a tri-axial analysis to support the assessment scheme. The three axes were: (1) a modification of the AMA system for classifying the medical status of a patient; (b) a modification of the DSM-IV system for classifying the emotional and behavioral status of the patient; and ( c ) a modification of a commonly used dental status classification system. The 30 returned questionnaires were subject to formal analysis. Among the statistically significant findings were: (1) When asked "In your opinion, are the criteria used in measuring and reporting the geriatric patient's medical status helpful, useful and appropriate?" 80% of the respondents said "yes." (2) When asked the same question about the psychological and dental axes, the responses were: 94.2% "yes" and 5.8% "no;" the dental axis 80% "yes" and 20% "no." In addition, it was the general consensus of the group of geriatric dental specialists sampled that the newly developed GDPE was judged to have several useful applications in gerodontology.
Learning Objectives: To list the factors used in the Geriatric Dental Patient Index. To describe the usefullness of the index in gerodontology.
Keywords: Oral Health, Aging
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.