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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Diane S. Lowry Oakes, MPH, MSW, Washington Dental Service Foundation, PO Box 75983, Seattle, WA 98175-0983, 206-528-2373, doakes@deltadentalwa.com, Joyce Hagen, RDH, MA, Oral Health Consultant, 221 Valley Vista Lane, Yakima, WA 98901, and James Sledge, DDS, Spokane District Dental Society, 5021 S Glenngrae Lane, Spokane, WA 99223.

By the year 2030, 20% of the US population will be over the age of 65. With advances in dental care and the progressing use of fluoride, tooth retention has improved. The result is a growing population of older adults who will retain their teeth and for whom oral disease prevention is extremely important. Many older adults are particularly vulnerable to root caries and periodontal disease due to dry mouth, lack of regular dental care, and a diminished ability to conduct adequate home hygiene care. The consequences for this population are severe. Oral disease is linked to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and poor nutrition. An asset is the network of professionals that serve older adults in community, residential, and medical settings. These professionals are an essential mechanism for oral disease assessment, prevention, and referral. The Washington Dental Service Foundation has partnered with these professionals to build capacity among caregivers, nurses, social workers, and administrators to promote oral health of older adults in a variety of settings. Critical training components include oral health assessment, oral hygiene skill-building, fluoride varnish application, strategy for motivating clients, and linkages to community dental resources. Additionally, pharmacists and medical providers are addressing the critical issue of dry mouth, a frequent side effect of medications and cancer treatments with severe oral health consequences.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to

• Discuss the importance of good oral health for older adults;
• List consequences of oral disease for older adults;
• Apply models utilized in Washington state for oral health promotion among oral adults in a variety of settings.

Keywords: Oral Health, Aging

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation