Is there a need for gerodontology?

One of the major criteria of successful ageing is maintaining a natural, healthy, functional dentition throughout life, including all the social and biological benefits such as aesthetics and comfort, and the ability to chew, taste and speak. However, the oral health of elderly people is far from optimal. The treatment needs are high due to edentulism, missing teeth, caries, periodontal diseases and tooth wear resulting in impaired oral functions. The demand for treatment is much lower than the need. In the future the elderly will retain their natural dentition and more teeth per individual will be present. Despite this there will be a rise in edentulousness due to the sharp rise in numbers of the elderly population. The 'new elderly' will be more critical and more demanding of oral health care services. The dental profession and governments in all industrialised countries must be aware of these trends which should be reflected in undergraduate and postgraduate education of dentists and in research. The European College of Gerodontology has been founded to contribute to solving all problems related to oral health and oral health care of the elderly.