Why do we need education in geriatric dentistry?

The elderly are the fastest growing segment of the population, both in number and as a percentage, throughout the world. The challenges of dealing with the increased need for oral health care in older adults requires a holistic approach in order to deal not only with there clinical needs, but with there social, functional and communication needs as well. Undergraduate and graduate programs in dentistry in Canada should focus on all the needs of the geriatric population. This is essential if future dental professionals are to gain an understanding of the true dental health care requirements of the elderly and acquire the knowledge, experience and willingness to provide appropriate care for their varied and growing geriatric clientele.