[Psychological aspects of geriatric dentistry]

The goal of geriatry and gerontology is not to prolong life at all cost but to make this last lap in life bearable. The dentist is often confronted with geriatric realities. The ideas on the psychology of the third age have considerably evoluated within the last ten years and more specific methods have been applied to study old age. Upon these new approaches, it seems possible to improve treatment on a preventive as well as on a therapeutic level.