Geriatric dentistry in long-term-care facilities: current status and future implications.

The status of oral health care of geriatric patients in long-term-care facilities is reviewed. Barriers to improving the dental management of institutionalized geriatric patients are discussed. The elderly population segment is the fastest-growing population, which presents a great burden to dental health professionals. Institutionalized geriatric patients are currently not receiving adequate care, and the number of these patients will double by the year 2020. The future implications are of considerable importance. Commitment by dental professionals to meet the oral health needs of this underserved population is key to the improvement of and change in the current status of this population.