Introduction
Are we as dental professionals prepared and ready to meet the rapidly increasing demand of growing numbers of older adults in the U.S.? [1]
These older adults will come into our offices with diverse issues such as frailty, multiple systemic diseases, polypharmacy, dry mouth, root caries, cognitive decline and complex dental needs to mention a few.
Safely managing these older adults within the limits of their physiological limitations while providing care that will maximize function and esthetics is a daunting task for any dentist without comprehensive and additional training.
Based on most predoctoral dental training that often provides limited didactic and clinical training in geriatric dentistry as well as few continuing education courses in this same topic [2], it is no wonder that many general dentists feel inadequate having little confidence in meeting the unique needs of our older patients. [3]
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Post graduate (post doctoral) education in Geriatric Dentistry
There are a few postgraduate education opportunities in geriatric dentistry in the U.S., in the form of clinical fellowships, certificate programs or more comprehensive Masters’ degree formats.[4] When one considers the rapid increase in the number of older adults projected for the next several decades, there are definitely not enough post-graduate programs training dentists in their oral health needs.
Furthermore, most of these programs are in-person full time programs which can last 1 to 3 years. Most practicing dentists may find it challenging if not impossible, to close or leave their practice for several years and/or relocate to another city to receive this training.
Benefits of Post Graduate Education in Geriatric Dentistry on Patient Care
Postgraduate education in geriatric dentistry provides a profound impact on patient care for the aging population with complex medical, psychosocial and dental needs.
1. Specialized knowledge
One will learn in depth current information on systemic diseases, medications, social, mental and cognitive issues as well as common dental problems affecting older adults. In addition, education will provide residents ability to modify dental treatment and manage frail older patients safely.
2. Improved clinical expertise and efficacy
In these programs, one will acquire clinical concepts, protocols and techniques to manage complex dental problems of frail older adults with predictable, less invasive, effective and appropriate treatment that often is drastically different than treating younger patients.
3. Compassionate and appropriate care
Developing compassion for anything takes deeper knowledge and understanding. Additional in depth education in geriatric dentistry can lead to changes in attitude towards the concept of aging, and the unique needs of the elderly while challenging concepts faced in treating frail older adults. All of these experiences can lead one to the discovery of more patience and compassion in oneself as a result of treating the challenging issues of older adults.
4. Collaboration with a team of other healthcare professionals
The complex nature of treating frail older adults often requires the dentist to communicate and collaborate with other healthcare professionals. Post graduate education will encourage residents to become knowledgeable in many different non-dental disciplines in order to play an effective role in an interdisciplinary team of professionals enhancing the care of older adults.
5. Geriatric dentistry advocacy
Most older adults are without any dental insurance coverage. Medicare currently does not cover routine and preventive dental services. Many economically challenged older adults do not have access to dental care. Dentists with post graduate education in geriatric dentistry can collaborate with others to create wide-scale education programs that help to prevent oral disease and to serve as credible advocates for improving access to dental care for many older adults.
6. Leadership in dental community health
Most communities will need dentists with additional expertise and experience in geriatric dentistry to treat older patients with complex needs who cannot easily be accommodated by regular general dentists. These geriatric dental specialists can also support general dentists in the community with education,direction and leadership in better treating older patients.
Conclusion
In summary, postgraduate education in geriatric dentistry markedly improves patient care by equipping dentists with specialized skills to handle the complexities of aging patients. The emphasis on personalized, preventive and interdisciplinary care leads to better oral health outcomes, improved quality of life, and a more compassionate approach to treatment.
For over a decade the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC has been offering a hybrid on-line1 year Certificate program and a 3 year Master’s degree program in geriatric dentistry. Both programs are particularly suited for practicing dentists who can gain knowledge about caring for the oral health needs of older adults while engaging in a part-time program that utilizes a combination of an online platform with in-person bootcamps.
Postgraduate Geriatric Dentistry
Are you looking for improved ways to diagnose, treat, and manage the oral healthcare of older patients? Explore our online master’s and certificate program in Geriatric Dentistry.
References
1. An Aging Nation: The Older Population in the United States. Jennifer M. Ortman, Victoria A. Velkioffand Howard Hogan Report Number p25-1140. May 2014
2. Ronald Ettinger et al. Curriculum content in geriatric dentistry in USA dental schools. Gerodontology. 2018 Mar;35(1):11-17. DOI: 10.1111/ger.12305
3. Maryam Tabrizi et al. Geriatric oral health competency among dental providers. AIMS Public Health. 2021; 8(4): 682–690. doi: 10.3934/publichealth.2021054
4. Ettinger, R. et al. Postdoctoral Teaching of Geriatric Dentistry in U.S. Dental Schools. J Dent Educ. 2017 Oct;81(10):1220-1226. DOI: 10.21815/JDE.017.079
