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Updated: Aug 6, 2026

Oral Health Assessment by Lay Personnel for Older Adults
Published on: February 2, 2020
Factors related to the preference for dental services from the perspective of the elderly
Zohreh Shirzadi1, Maryam Moeini2, Narjes Shojaei Barjoei3
1Department of Health Services Management, Research Committee, Faculty of Medical Management and Informatics, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. Zohrehsh.1983@gmail.com.
Introduction:
Dental health, as a vital component of general health, has a significant impact on the quality of life of the elderly. This study aimed to explore the preferences of the elderly toward geriatric dental services.
Methods:
This study used a qualitative descriptive design and was conducted among a convenience sample of elderly individuals visiting public and private dental settings in Isfahan City in 2024. Data were collected through semi-structured face-to-face interviews. Sampling continued until data saturation was achieved, and 21 participants were included in the study. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.
Findings:
Pecuniary and non-pecuniary themes were the two identified general themes of elderly preferences regarding dental services. The non-pecuniary theme included three main sub-themes: characteristics of the dental services providers, characteristics of the dental center, and characteristics of the elderly patients. The pecuniary theme was also categorized into two main sub-themes: payment method and cost coverage.
Conclusions:
This study identified that high costs and inadequate insurance coverage are key pecuniary challenges, while professional skills and the physical accessibility of dental centers are critical non-pecuniary factors. Addressing both dimensions is essential for designing specialized and accessible dental service packages for the elderly.
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