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Oral Health Disparities Among the Elderly: Interdisciplinary Challenges for the Future
Author(s) -
Pyle Marsha A.,
Stoller Eleanor P.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
journal of dental education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.53
H-Index - 68
eISSN - 1930-7837
pISSN - 0022-0337
DOI - 10.1002/j.0022-0337.2003.67.12.tb03726.x
Subject(s) - oral health , health equity , gerontology , medicine , medline , environmental health , medical education , family medicine , political science , nursing , public health , law
The elderly, like other population groups, have experienced varying levels of oral health among their diverse demographic subgroups. For those in poverty, experiencing social isolation, residing in long‐term care institutions, and with complex medical illness, oral health care may be unreachable. Various models of training, education, and community, public, and professional collaboration have been proposed, yet few strategies have been implemented. Interdisciplinary approaches that bring interested partners together as equal stakeholders may create faster tracks in improving access to health care for those geriatric patients who lack it. This article explores past and present recommendations for interdisciplinary collaborations, reviews the current and future needs of the geriatric population, discusses educational models and content, and expresses the need for leadership to address oral health disparities in the elderly. Finally, strategies for making improvements in the existing oral health disparities are discussed.