Oral health status and treatment needs of institutionalized elderly and disadvantaged population in Fiji (1997)

Information on the oral health of institutionalized elderly populations in a number of countries is available but, no data is available nor published on the elderly population of Fiji. A pilot survey was carried out at the nursing homes in the Suva area. The aim of this study was to investigate the dental status and treatment needs of institutionalized elderly people. Examiner was calibrated and consent approved from the relevant institutions. This study found that residents were institutionalized, because family members could not care for them; did not receive any form of financial assistance and therefore totally relied on the institution; generally had medical problems such as neurological disorders, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Generally had poor oral health status such as root stumps, many missing teeth, calculus and shallow pockets were common, oral hygiene practices were poor, high demand for dentures/or the dentures were not clean, some cases of leukoplakia were found and there was an urgent need for the dental profession to deliver dental care. Recommendations include issues in developing a supporting environment, provision of adequate and appropriate access, community education and skill development, workforce development and research in geriatric dentistry in Fiji.