Abstract
IntroductionThe demographic shift in the age profile of the UK is well established. Older people have more complex requirements to maintain their oral health.ObjectivesThis research explored Gerodontology with influential and recognised UK experts in Dental Public Health, Dental Education and Gerodontology. Three main topics were explored: the dental challenges associated with the ageing population, the role of dental care professionals (DCPs) and the training of undergraduate dental professionals.MethodsQuantitative data from the literature were used to develop a topic guide for semi-structured interviews with a purposeful sample of nine participants. Initial analysis of the qualitative data was undertaken using NVivo V12 software and themes were identified. Final themes and subthemes were confirmed after a series of remote round table discussions.ResultsFour themes and 14 subthemes were identified. These included disagreements and agreements, the challenges of providing dental care to the older adult population, and the delivery of dental care by the dental team and finally education. All participants had significant concerns about the oral and dental challenges of the older population.ConclusionsThe themes that emerged were complex and overlapping. Better utilisation of all members of the dental workforce was reported to be an essential approach, as was reorientation of existing care models with a focus on prevention. Regarding undergraduate education, the consensus was that the training was not adequate for both current and future needs.
Highlights
The demographic shift in the age profile of the UK is well established
The interviews with a purposeful sample of prominent influential and recognised UK experts, many with a global perspective of Gerodontology, Dental Education and Dental Public Health, explored three main topics: the dental challenges associated with the ageing
All participants agreed on the challenges of the ever-increasing number of older adults and commented on the close link between oral and general health and the resultant need for interprofessional multidisciplinary care
Summary
The demographic shift in the age profile of the UK is well established. Older people have more complex requirements to maintain their oral health. Three main topics were explored: the dental challenges associated with the ageing population, the role of dental care professionals (DCPs) and the training of undergraduate dental professionals. RESULTS: Four themes and 14 subthemes were identified These included disagreements and agreements, the challenges of providing dental care to the older adult population, and the delivery of dental care by the dental team and education. The proportion of older people is increasing more than any other age group [3]. These demographic changes will have an increasingly significant impact on a range of economic, health and social policies [4]. Greater tooth retention is increasingly common, which presents a challenge to both the individual and professional, and further it is reported that dentate older adults can require extensive and complicated dental treatment to maintain their dentitions [5]
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