Interdisciplinary Strategies for Improving Oral Health in Older Adults: A Comprehensive Review

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Medicine
• Public Health
• Dental Science

Background:

• Oral health is integral to overall well-being in older adults.
• Aging populations face unique oral health challenges, including periodontal disease, polypharmacy, and access barriers.
• Multifaceted needs necessitate integrated care across medical and dental fields.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine strategies for enhancing interdisciplinary collaboration among healthcare professionals and caregivers.
• To improve oral health outcomes for aging populations through coordinated care approaches.

Main Methods:

• Review of strategies for medical-dental integration.
• Assessment of nursing and caregiver roles in oral hygiene.
• Analysis of nutritional interventions and social support systems.
• Evaluation of technology-driven solutions like tele-dentistry.

Main Results:

• Effective strategies include medical-dental integration, enhanced nursing/caregiver involvement, tailored nutrition, social support, and tele-dentistry.
• Systemic barriers such as fragmented systems, cost, and workforce shortages impede progress.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration is key to addressing disparities and improving quality of life.

Conclusions:

• Prioritizing geriatric oral health is a public health imperative.
• Cross-sector policies and workforce education are essential for successful implementation.
• Holistic, patient-centered care improves oral-systemic health and reduces chronic disease burden.