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Knowledge and attitudes of dentists regarding ageing and the elderly
Author(s) -
Moreira Allyson Nogueira,
Rocha Ênia Salles,
Popoff Daniela Araújo Veloso,
Vilaça Ênio Lacerda,
Castilho Lia Silva,
de Magalhães Cláudia Silami
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
gerodontology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.7
H-Index - 54
eISSN - 1741-2358
pISSN - 0734-0664
DOI - 10.1111/j.1741-2358.2011.00534.x
Subject(s) - medicine , population ageing , likert scale , family medicine , gerontology , geriatrics , population , elderly people , ageing , continuing education , positive attitude , public sector , geriatric dentistry , nursing , oral health , medical education , environmental health , psychiatry , statistics , mathematics , economy , economics , social psychology , psychology
doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00534.x
Knowledge and attitudes of dentists regarding ageing and the elderly Objective: This study was aimed to identify the knowledge and attitudes of dentists regarding ageing and the elderly. Background: As the population ages, there is a greater demand for differentiated care from health professionals. However, the treatment needs of the elderly population are not sufficiently addressed, particularly in developing countries. Materials and methods: An official list of all dentists registered in the city of Belo Horizonte, Brazil, was obtained from the Regional Dentistry Council. A questionnaire was delivered to 276 randomly selected dentists; the survey contained questions designed to characterise the sample and identify dentists’ conduct towards elderly patients. A Likert scale was used to identify knowledge regarding care for the elderly and attitudes towards ageing. Results: Women demonstrated more positive attitudes towards the elderly. Graduates who worked in the public sector demonstrated a greater knowledge of geriatric dentistry ( p < 0.05). Attending specific continuing education courses had no influence over the dentists’ willingness to treat the elderly population. Significant associations were not found between attitudes and knowledge regarding the elderly. Conclusion: Dentists who worked in the public sector demonstrated a greater knowledge regarding the elderly. This knowledge did not influence attitudes towards ageing. Women demonstrated a more positive attitude regarding ageing and dental care.