Dental surgery attendance amongst patients with moderately advanced dementia attending a day unit: a survey of carers' views

Abstract

Objective: To ascertain the views of carers of patients with dementia, on the patient's dental health needs.

Design: Prospective survey using semi-structured interview.

Setting: Dementia day care unit for patients living in their own homes.

Subjects and method: Twenty-eight carers of dementia sufferers were interviewed between March and September 2000, as part of regular clinical reviews of patient's needs. Carers' views on the dental care needs of patients were ascertained. Cognitive and behavioural assessments of patients were also made using the Clifton Assessment Procedure for the Elderly (CAPE).

Main outcome measure: Dental unmet need ie the carer deciding that the patient needed a dental examination, but anticipating that this would be problematic, the carer would not take them.

Results: Twenty one per cent met criteria for dental unmet need.

Conclusions: Carers of people with dementia may be reluctant to take those they care for to the dentist. We need to explore ways to ensure appropriate dental surgery attendance.