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Updated: May 29, 2026

Oral Health Assessment by Lay Personnel for Older Adults
Published on: February 2, 2020
Knowledge and attitudes of dentists regarding ageing and the elderly
Allyson Nogueira Moreira1, Enia Salles Rocha, Daniela Araújo Veloso Popoff
1Faculty of Dentistry, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
Objective:
This study was aimed to identify the knowledge and attitudes of dentists regarding ageing and the elderly.
Background:
As the population ages, there is a greater demand for differentiated care from health professionals. However, the treatment needs of the elderly population are not sufficiently addressed, particularly in developing countries.
Materials And Methods:
An official list of all dentists registered in the city of Belo Horizonte, Brazil, was obtained from the Regional Dentistry Council. A questionnaire was delivered to 276 randomly selected dentists; the survey contained questions designed to characterise the sample and identify dentists' conduct towards elderly patients. A Likert scale was used to identify knowledge regarding care for the elderly and attitudes towards ageing.
Results:
Women demonstrated more positive attitudes towards the elderly. Graduates who worked in the public sector demonstrated a greater knowledge of geriatric dentistry (p < 0.05). Attending specific continuing education courses had no influence over the dentists' willingness to treat the elderly population. Significant associations were not found between attitudes and knowledge regarding the elderly.
Conclusion:
Dentists who worked in the public sector demonstrated a greater knowledge regarding the elderly. This knowledge did not influence attitudes towards ageing. Women demonstrated a more positive attitude regarding ageing and dental care.
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