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Dentists' attitudes toward and knowledge of the elderly
Journal of Dental Education
|May 1, 1982
Summary
Dentists often misunderstand aging facts, but experience and more self-paying patients reduce stereotypes. Positive views of elderly patients
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Dentistry
- Dental Public Health
Background:
- Understanding dentists' perceptions of aging is crucial for improving geriatric oral healthcare.
- Current knowledge gaps exist regarding dentists' attitudes and knowledge about elderly patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey dentists on their practices and attitudes toward elderly patients.
- To identify factors influencing dentists' perceptions of aging and stereotypes.
Main Methods:
- A survey was administered to 332 dentists in private practice in Washington State.
- Data collected included practice characteristics, patient contact, and attitudes toward the aged.
Main Results:
- Most surveyed dentists held inaccurate perceptions regarding facts on aging.
- Increased dentist experience and a higher proportion of self-paying patients correlated with fewer stereotypes.
- Dentists with positive views on elderly patients' oral hygiene exhibited fewer negative stereotypes.
Conclusions:
- Dentist experience and patient demographics influence stereotypes about aging.
- Targeted education in geriatric dentistry may be needed to address inaccurate perceptions.
- Implications for dental practice and training in geriatric dentistry are discussed.