Proceedings From the California Dental Association Symposium on Geriatrics and Oral Health

Abstract

he California Dental Association and the University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry convened a gathering of experts and stakeholders to conduct a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis with regard to oral health needs, dental education and workforce, financial and reimbursement structures and legislative opportunities as they relate to improving oral health for older Californians. The consensus was that change must begin in dental education, with relevant and innovative clinical experiences in geriatric care, including interprofessional education (IPE) and interprofessional practice (IPP) with appropriately trained faculty. Incentives for faculty and professional development are needed to develop role models who can appropriately manage the diverse and unique oral health care needs of older adults as part of an interprofessional team. Value-based care and novel dental benefit and reimbursement mechanisms are needed to support many older Californians who are lacking financial resources for care. Innovation in care delivery models to meet the needs of those who are most vulnerable and removed from opportunities for care are also needed to improve access to care and health outcomes across California. The entire health care team must be engaged. Oral health care must be perceived and practiced as an integral component of primary health care to achieve optimal health outcomes.