[Interprofessional collaboration in geriatric primary oral healthcare in Québec – Implementation landmarks]

Accelerated ageing of the population results in an ever-increasing number of functionally dependent elderly persons. Even healthy older people experience self-care deficits due to decreased mobility, endurance and sensory loss. Residents in long-term care centres depend on caregivers for the majority of their activities of daily living.Dental services for functionally dependent seniors generally remain inadequate. Several factors may explain this situation, including the absence of government guidelines and the lack of initial and continuing training of both dental and non-dental personnel.Based on a review of the scientific literature published between 1970-2016, four strategies were identified to improve this problem:Promoting, supporting and formalizing interprofessional collaboration.Building a common vision for oral health.Developing complementary and shared professional and relational skills.Redefining the roles and responsibilities of primary care practitioners.These strategies could be considered in the process of implementing a dental service adapted to the needs of this population group.