Clinical epidemiologic concerns and the geriatric prosthodontic patient

Investigations of the oral health of the elderly leave little doubt that disease and dysfunction are plentiful, although there is some debate on how the clinical observations translate into treatment needs. The problems appear to be greatest among the disabled and the institutionalized, whereas dentists generally show little enthusiasm for offering their services outside the confines of the traditional dental practice. Consequently the oral health concerns in the older population, and especially as they relate to prosthodontic treatment, remain substantially unanswered.