Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 19, 2026

Oral Health Assessment by Lay Personnel for Older Adults
Published on: February 2, 2020
Non-clinical information obtained by dentists during initial examinations of older adult patients
Robert J Hawkins1, David Locker
1Community Dental Health Services Research Unit, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, 124 Edward Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. robert.hawkins@utoronto.ca
Abstract:
The authors sent a questionnaire to a random sample of general dentists in Ontario, Canada, to assess the types of non-clinical information (NCI) dentists usually obtain during initial examinations of older patients. From a list of 11 NCI questions, dentists indicated which questions they usually asked during new patient examinations. The adjusted response rate was 34% (n = 672). Respondents most often asked about pain and satisfaction with the appearance of teeth and/or dentures. About half the respondents asked about oral dryness and whether problems with chewing had limited food choices. Respondents were least likely to ask about problems with speaking and avoidance of eating with others because of chewing problems. Traits of those who asked the least common NCI questions typically including continuing education courses in geriatric dentistry, self-perceived competence in treating elderly adults living in institutional settings, exposure to geriatric outreach settings during dental school and greater dentist involvement in patient history taking.
Related Concept Videos
Data Collection I
Assessment of the Mouth
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
Tooth Anatomy
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or grinding food.
Data Collection III
The principles to begin the physical assessment include conducting a comprehensive or problem-related history in a quiet, well-lit room, emphasizing privacy and comfort for the patient.
Ethical Standards II
Nurses are entrusted with upholding various ethical principles and standards. Nurses forge solid therapeutic relationships using trust, empathy, autonomy, confidentiality, and professional competence.
Confidentiality is crucial, embodying respect for individual privacy and...
Nursing Assessment
The nurse collects all aspects of the patient's health in the initial assessment, establishing priorities for ongoing focused assessments and...