Theresa Montini1, Tuo-Yen Tseng2, Helly Patel3, Donna Shelley2. 1. The Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education, City College of New York, New York, NY, USA. TMontini@med.cuny.edu. 2. New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA. 3. University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To explore barriers to older adults' accessing dental care. METHODS: We performed oral exams on 184 community-dwelling older adults; those who needed dental care were contacted 6-12 weeks later to determine if they were able to access treatment. Those who could not access care were interviewed regarding barriers. RESULTS: Of those examined, 89% needed dental treatment. After 6 weeks, 52% had received treatment, 48% had not. Those unable to access treatment had fewer teeth, were more likely to be referred regarding dentures, and were less likely to have a dentist. Reasons cited for not accessing care among the 35 participants we interviewed included a lack of finances, transportation, or assistance in navigating dental service. CONCLUSIONS: Older adults have a high burden of oral disease and access barriers remain.
OBJECTIVE: To explore barriers to older adults' accessing dental care. METHODS: We performed oral exams on 184 community-dwelling older adults; those who needed dental care were contacted 6-12 weeks later to determine if they were able to access treatment. Those who could not access care were interviewed regarding barriers. RESULTS: Of those examined, 89% needed dental treatment. After 6 weeks, 52% had received treatment, 48% had not. Those unable to access treatment had fewer teeth, were more likely to be referred regarding dentures, and were less likely to have a dentist. Reasons cited for not accessing care among the 35 participants we interviewed included a lack of finances, transportation, or assistance in navigating dental service. CONCLUSIONS: Older adults have a high burden of oral disease and access barriers remain.
Authors: Ingela Grönbeck-Linden; Catharina Hägglin; Anita Petersson; Per O Linander; Lars Gahnberg Journal: J Int Soc Prev Community Dent Date: 2016-05-30
Authors: Barbara J Smith; Michael Helgeson; Brenda Prosa; Tracy L Finlayson; Mario Orozco; Padideh Asgari; Ian Pierce; Gregory Norman; Eliah Aronoff-Spencer Journal: PLoS One Date: 2020-05-14 Impact factor: 3.240