The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #39614

Sandra Nagel Beebe, MSinEd, Department of Health Education and Recreation, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, ASA, Mailcode 6615, Carbondale, IL 62901-6615, 618-453-7202, sbeebe@siu.edu and Thomas H. Beebe, PhD, Office of Military Programs, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Mailcode 6828, Carbondale, IL 62901-6828.

Actuary data indicates both men and women are living longer and enjoying more freedoms than prior populations of the same age. Increased healthcare and advances in healthcare have contributed significantly to this trend. However, little has been done in the dental health field to examine the differences and perceptions of oral health care with in this population. This study delineated these differences between two groups, seniors living in assisted living facilities and seniors participating in senior citizen activities who lived independently in their own homes. This study hypothesized that the population of senior citizen centers because of their mobility would have greater access to oral health care. It also hypothesized that the perceptions of the two groups would be similar with regard to the quality and frequency of dental care they received. Data were collected from both populations through use of a 15-item questionnaire that asked respondents to rate the quality of their oral health care, frequency of preventive maintenance, difficulties accessing oral health care, and types of dental educational activities participated in by respondents. Confidentiality of respondent data was insured through use of standard practices and procedures involving human subject research.

Learning Objectives:

• 1)Articulate the assessment and analysis of respondent data.
• 2)To determine if respondents from both groups perceived similar needs.
• 3)To list four reasons for incorporating dental education for both populations.
• 4)To evaluate the perceptions of oral health in both populations.

Keywords: Aging, Oral Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.