Challenges of delivering oral health care to older adults

Abstract

With increasing mortality rates and declining fertility, there is expected to be a large increase in the proportion of older adults living in the United States. There are many challenges associated with oral health care delivery to this population, including complex medical conditions, access to care and the availability of adequately trained dentists. The dental community needs to consider the oral health needs of this growing population and address these needs through initiatives in education, research and health-care policy.