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Dental treatment needs in an elderly population
C W Drake1, J D Beck, R C Graves
1Department of Diagnostic Sciences, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 27599-7450.
Journal of Public Health Dentistry
|January 1, 1991
Summary
This study found that while clinical dental findings are related to treatment needs in older adults, factors like race, education, and social aspects also influence dental care decisions. Precise treatment needs often require more than just a clinical examination.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Dentistry
- Public Health
Background:
- Oral health is crucial for overall well-being in older adults.
- Assessing dental treatment needs in the elderly population presents unique challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate dental treatment needs among community-dwelling adults aged 65 and older.
- To identify factors influencing the determination of restorative and extraction needs.
Main Methods:
- A random sample of 1,019 adults (65+) underwent clinical dental examinations and interviews.
- Subjects were categorized as dentate (809) or edentulous (210).
- Caries, periodontal conditions, and treatment needs were assessed; race and socioeconomic factors were recorded.
Main Results:
- Most participants had minimal restorative treatment needs.
- Black adults required restorative treatment and extractions more frequently than white adults.
- Carious surfaces, periodontal pocket depths, tooth count, education, and time since last dental visit correlated with treatment needs.
Conclusions:
- Clinical findings alone are insufficient for precise determination of dental treatment needs in older adults.
- Behavioral, social, and health factors significantly influence dentists' treatment decisions for this demographic.
- Further research into multifactorial assessment is warranted for geriatric dental care planning.