Geriatric dentistry in the predoctoral curriculum

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Dentistry
• Dental Education

Background:

• The global population is aging, leading to an increase in elderly patients seeking dental care.
• Older adults present unique oral health challenges and physical considerations requiring specialized treatment approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the establishment and current status of a geriatric dental program at the University of Illinois College of Dentistry.
• To enhance undergraduate dental education in geriatric patient care.

Main Methods:

• The paper details the initiation of a geriatric dental program in 1976.
• It outlines the program's operational structure and its integration into the dental curriculum.

Main Results:

• The program has provided continuous clinical training in geriatric dentistry since its inception.
• It addresses the specific dental and physical characteristics of the elderly patient population.

Conclusions:

• Geriatric dental programs are essential for competent care of the aging population.
• Such programs effectively bridge the gap between specialized training needs and undergraduate dental education.