Delphi study to identify core competencies in geriatric dentistry

The Delphi technique and an expert panel of general practitioners were used to identify geriatric dentistry core competencies--the necessary knowledge, skills, and values of new graduates to meet the oral health needs of older patients. Of the 74 dentists solicited, 50 dentists agreed to participate, and 40 dentists returned two questionnaires. Respondents were mostly male, white, in solo practice, with a mean age of 51.6 (SD 7.4) years. The first survey asked the participants to identify at least three topics in geriatric dentistry that they believed to be essential to a dental curriculum to graduate competent practitioners who can effectively treat older patients. The 45 unique responses were used in the second questionnaire that asked the practitioners to rate the importance of each topic for inclusion in a curriculum. For the 29 items describing skills, respondents indicated how often they performed the skill in their practices. Finally, the respondents considered all 45 items, and selected the five most crucial topics. Overall, participants achieved good consensus as to core knowledge, skills, and values needed to provide general dental care to older patients.