The development of geriatric curricula in U.S. dental schools, 1979-1984

When data from a 1984 survey of U.S. dental schools were compared with data from a similar survey of the same schools completed in 1979, an increase in the teaching of geriatric dentistry to dental students was observed. While more topics are being taught in more schools, the depth and coverage are variable. Multivariate analyses revealed that more topics were likely to be taught if a course in geriatrics existed, if the course had existed since 1979, and if the course director was a dentist. Factors associated with the establishment of a course between 1979 and 1984 were that the school was located in a state with a large geriatric population and that financial assistance for patients through state or local government was available.