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Updated: May 23, 2026

Oral Health Assessment by Lay Personnel for Older Adults
Published on: February 2, 2020
Parkinson's disease: considerations for dental hygienists
S L DeBowes1, S L Tolle, A M Bruhn
1Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23505, USA. sdebowes@gmail.com
Abstract:
The prevalence of Parkinson's disease (PD) is expected to double over the next 20 years owing to the increase in life expectancy. This progressive disease has several implications relating to oral health, and many are manageable with proper awareness and knowledge about the disease. This article reviews the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and characteristics of PD, as well as the treatments and oral health considerations to enable dental hygienists to undertake an informed approach to patient management strategies and provide optimal care.
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