Improving the oral health of older people

2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 189-197 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Tinker ◽  
J. Gallagher ◽  
T. Awojobi ◽  
A. Ahilan ◽  
A. Al Dahwy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oral Health ◽  
Older People ◽  
Health Centre ◽  
Ethnic Origin ◽  
Dental Service ◽  
Dental Students ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Delivery Of Care

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore how adults may be supported in maintaining their oral health and to provide dental students with better knowledge of how the oral health of community living older people can be maintained and to make recommendations. Design/methodology/approach A pilot qualitative study involving eight dental students in three workshops in a Health Centre in South West London with 17 older adults whose ages ranged from 63 to 94 years with 82 percent female and 42 percent white. Findings For the older people, findings confirm previous research highlighting issues around prevention, delivery of care and access. However, other issues such as the use of fluoride and safety around tooth whitening were important. There was concern about the increasing privatisation of the dental service and problems in finding a dentist. For the dental students they valued time with older people and felt that they had a better understanding of them and research. Research limitations/implications The research was in one part of London and interviews were with only 17 older people. However, they were a mixed group in terms of age and ethnic origin. Practical implications These include the need to give older people more information and the value of simplicity e.g. through leaflets. Social implications Good oral health is important for physical and mental health and can help social participation and wellbeing. Originality/value Yes, this is original research.

Oral health strategy for the older people in social protection centers in Villavicencio, Colombia

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 167-177
Author(s):  
Claudia Patricia Rodas Avellaneda ◽  
María del Pilar Angarita Díaz ◽  
Luis Francisco Nemocon Ramírez ◽  
Luis Alexys Pinzón Castro ◽  
Yenny Tatiana Robayo Herrera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oral Health ◽  
Older People ◽  
Oral Hygiene ◽  
Research Group ◽  
Social Protection ◽  
Personal Information ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Educational Strategy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Soft Plaque

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to design and to implement an oral health educational strategy that targeted an older population residing in three social protection centers (SPC) in Villavicencio, Colombia. Design/methodology/approach The first phase consisted in determining the oral health of older citizens in the SPC. To do this, the research group gathered patients’ personal information and indices. The second phase consisted in the development of an educational strategy based on the population’s requirements. The educational strategy, focusing on oral hygiene and denture care, was implemented for the older people and their caregivers. The third and final phase consisted in the research group measuring the effect of the designed strategy by repeating oral diagnoses for the older people six months after strategy implementation. Findings The results of the assessment indicated that implementing a strategy to strengthen oral hygiene care was positive, given that statistically significant reductions were observed in the soft plaque index and the Gingival Index (p<0.05). Research limitations/implications As a result of the complexity of the population, the data obtained after the strategy was implemented were significantly reduced. However, these results indicate that an educational strategy can have an effect on this type of population. Originality/value Implementing a strategy that promotes oral hygiene education and brushing skills, fosters good oral behavior and helps the older people in SPC to remember the information taught, thus contributing to their oral hygiene.

scholarly journals Preparing dental graduates to provide care for frail and care-dependent older patients: An educational intervention

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 23-38
Author(s):  
Angie Nilsson ◽  
Louise Young ◽  
Felicity Croker
Keyword(s):  
Oral Health ◽  
Older People ◽  
Older Patients ◽  
Aged Care ◽  
Dental Students ◽  
Residential Aged Care ◽  
Care Facilities ◽  
Aged Care Facilities ◽  
Residential Aged Care Facilities ◽  
Dental Curriculum

Introduction: Australia’s population is living longer and retaining more of their dentition. While the demand for oral health services in residential aged-care facilities increases, there is a call for further inclusion of gerodontology in the undergraduate dental curriculum. This qualitative study explored the attitude of dental students to providing oral health care to older people using a pilot gerodontology curriculum as an intervention during a final-year clinical placement in Hobart, Tasmania.Methods: Focus groups with undergraduate dental students on clinical placement were conducted in 2018 prior to and after implementation of a pilot gerodontology curriculum. The qualitative data was thematically analysed.Results: Two focus groups were conducted with a total of 18 dental students. The main themes included: applied practical learning in aged care, unpreparedness for managing frail older patients, lack of confidence with the process of gaining consent from people with dementia, barriers to providing care to older people and interactions with residents and staff of residential aged-care facilities. Conclusions: This study highlighted the barriers for dental students providing care to older people. There is a need to evaluate how gerodontology is currently taught in the undergraduate dental curriculum to better prepare the dental workforce to respond effectively and more confidently to the growing population of dentate older people in residential aged-care facilities.

scholarly journals Socioeconomic inequality and dental caries among Thai working age population

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (6) ◽  
pp. 517-528
Author(s):  
Sirinthip Amornsuradech ◽  
Warangkana Vejvithee
Keyword(s):  
Health Outcome ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Dental Caries ◽  
Dental Service ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Working Age ◽  
Lower Education ◽  
Working Age Population ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to determine the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and oral health among Thai adults. Design/methodology/approach This study is a cross-sectional analytical study using secondary data from the 7th Thailand National Oral Health Survey (2012). Age group 35–44 years old samples were used to represent the working age population. Oral health outcome was determined by untreated dental caries. SES was indicated by income, education and occupational groups. Demographic background, oral health-related behavior and access to dental service were adjusted for analysis. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the relationship between independent variables and oral health outcome. Findings People with lower education showed a higher odds ratio for having untreated dental caries before and after controlling for related variables. Those living in the north and northeast, using additional cleaning tools and going to the public provider for dental service also showed better oral health. Research limitations/implications The limitation of this study is that the cross-sectional study cannot indicate casual relationships. The national oral health survey was not designed to find relationships between factors. The access to data and measurement of SES was limited. The policy maker should emphasize on people with lower education which have a higher risk for dental caries to improve oral health in disadvantaged groups. Future research should include all related factors in the study including diet and knowledge about oral health. Moreover, oral health outcome is a long-term effect which accumulated through a lifetime. The social class might change over time and so do behaviors. Originality/value There is socioeconomic inequality in dental caries of Thai working age population.

The link between nutrition and dental erosion: what do students know?

2019 ◽  
Vol 50 (4) ◽  
pp. 665-678
Author(s):  
Cansu Ozsin Ozler ◽  
Elif Inan-Eroglu ◽  
Meryem Uzamis Tekcicek ◽  
Zehra Buyuktuncer
Keyword(s):  
Oral Health ◽  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Dental Erosion ◽  
Dental Students ◽  
Team Approach ◽  
Dietary Counseling ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Dental Diseases

Purpose The purpose of this study is to assess and compare awareness and knowledge of dental erosion among nutrition and dietetics (ND) and dental students. Design/methodology/approach The study was designed as a cross-sectional study. It was set in a university campus in Ankara, Turkey. In all, 947 undergraduate students (534 dental and 413 ND) with a mean age of 20.9 ± 1.99 years were included. The variables measured in this study were level of awareness and knowledge of dental erosion of students and their practice on the topic. For statistical analysis descriptive statistics, Chi-square, Fisher’s Exact and Mann–Whitney U statistics were used. Findings Not having heard about dental erosion was more frequently reported by ND students (33.9 per cent) (p < 0.001). Dental students had significantly higher scores in knowledge of dental erosion (11.19 ± 2.23) (p < 0.001). In both disciplines, total knowledge score was increased based on the students’ academic level (r = 0.522, p < 0.01 for dental students and r = 0.242, p < 0.01 for ND students). Their practice in terms of consumption of some acidic foods showed a difference (p < 0.001). Originality/value There is an inevitable need for oral health education for ND students and nutrition education for dental students to fill the knowledge gap for effective oral health. Nutrition dental education should be incorporated into undergraduate ND and dentistry curriculums and continuing education of these professionals. Furthermore, providing internships in dental facilities or clinics to undergraduate ND students that include oral health assessments, guidance on evidence-based prevention techniques, dietary counseling and referrals to dentists would provide an opportunity to gain more knowledge regarding dental-related nutrition subjects. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to determine and compare dental erosion awareness, knowledge and practice among ND and dental students. Eliminating conflicts among dietetic and dental professionals is vital for improving patient health. This interdisciplinary inclination might be a shift toward a coordinated team approach for promoting oral health, prevention of dental diseases and intervention in dental diseases.

scholarly journals “Taking it on the chin”: older people, human rights and COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
John Williams
Keyword(s):  
Human Rights ◽  
Older People ◽  
Media Coverage ◽  
Virus Disease ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Convincing Evidence ◽  
European Convention ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this article is to discuss the implications of government responses to COVID-19 for older people. Governments in England and in Wales faced complex decisions when responding to COVID-19. This paper considers the impact of their actions on the human rights of older people. It argues that there is a case to answer of potential breaches of the European Convention on Human Rights. Although it is too early to come to firm conclusions as more scientific and medical evidence is required, some actions by governments seem to be based on using age as a basis for decision-making. Human rights are complex, and it is important that claims of violations satisfy the Convention, the Human Rights Act 1998, the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights and other international instruments. Design/methodology/approach The paper considers the legal framework of the European Convention and its relevance to Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) and older people. Case law, academic research, guidance and media coverage form the basis of the research. Findings The governments have a strong case to answer. In defending their positions against allegations of discrimination against older people, they need to produce strong and convincing evidence including medical and scientific evidence that formed the basis of their decisions. Originality/value This paper is based on original research into human rights, older people and COVID-19.

scholarly journals Social backgrounds, oral behaviors and dental service utilization among Thai older adults: data from the national oral health survey

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Punkanit Harirugsakul ◽  
Issarapong Kaewkamnerdpong ◽  
Sudaduang Krisdapong ◽  
Piyada Prasertsom ◽  
Kornkamol Niyomsilp ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Service Utilization ◽  
Health Survey ◽  
Social Background ◽  
Dental Service ◽  
Dental Services ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Social Backgrounds

PurposeThe number of older adults in Thailand is currently increasing. To create the appropriate oral health service for this age group requires an understanding of the factors that are associated with their dental service utilization. This study aimed to determine the associations between social backgrounds, oral behaviors and dental service utilization among Thai older adults.Design/methodology/approachThis was a cross-sectional study on a representative sample of older adults in the 8th Thai National Oral Health Survey (TNOHS). Data of 4,130 Thai older adults were collected through interviews. The association between social backgrounds, oral behaviors and dental service utilization were investigated using chi-square and logistic regression models.FindingsOf the older adults aged 60–74 years old, 38.4% had used dental services in the last 12 months. Smokers used dental services the least (32.1%). Location, income, education and social welfare were significantly associated with dental service utilization. Among the oral behaviors evaluated, smoking was significantly associated with low dental service utilization.Originality/valueThai older adults with a poor social background including location, income, education, entitlement to the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) and smoking made less use of dental services.

scholarly journals Care coordination for adults and older people

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (5/6) ◽  
pp. 271-281 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michele Abendstern ◽  
Rowan Jasper ◽  
Nik Loynes ◽  
Jane Hughes ◽  
Caroline Sutcliffe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Care Coordination ◽  
Working Relationships ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Delivery Of Care ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Framework Approach ◽  
Time And Energy ◽  
Provision Of Care

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide new insights into the contribution and experiences of non-statutory sector (voluntary) services delivering care coordination. Design/methodology/approach This qualitative study, based on face-to-face semi-structured interviews with 17 managers from a range of non-statutory sector services, used thematic data analysis supported by a framework approach. Findings Four themes emerged: commissioning arrangements undermined non-statutory sector development; working relationships between statutory and non-statutory services required time and energy to navigate and sustain; the establishment of a niche role in the larger network of provision; and tensions relating to future developments. The non-statutory sector was found to provide a mix of services, including specialist provision targeting specific communities that complemented or substituted for those provided by the state. Managers wanted their services to be recognised by the statutory sector as equal partners in the delivery of care coordination and were also keen to retain their independence. Practical implications Findings provide information for service commissioners and managers from statutory and non-statutory sectors indicating a complex set of experiences and views regarding the role of the latter. This is particularly salient in a political landscape which has increasing expectations of their involvement in the provision of care coordination. Originality/value This study considers the work of the non-statutory sector in the delivery of care coordination to adults and older people, an area under-reported to date. It suggests that there are opportunities available for these services to become embedded within a wider social care system and to excel by retaining or developing specialist roles and services.

Yoga as an intervention for older peoples mental health: a literature review

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Georgia Belam
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Older People ◽  
Elderly People ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Show

Purpose Yoga practice has become increasingly popular around the world for the benefits it can bring for physical and mental health. However, little research has been done regarding the use of yoga as a therapy for elderly people with mental health problems. This literature review will therefore attempt to answer the questions: what research has been done to look into the use of yoga as therapy for elderly people with a diagnosis of mental health problems, what does this research show and what future directions may this work take in the future. Design/methodology/approach The review describes four research studies that have been done looking at the use of yoga as an intervention in older people with diagnosed mental health problems and one upcoming larger study. Findings Therefore, it is shown that the research in this area is so far still in its infancy, but that yoga has potential to be a useful potential treatment for older people with mental health problems. Originality/value As with all research into treatments for mental health problems, involvement of patients and their carers will be vital to ensure that the direction of the research is one that will be valuable, and that the traditions of yoga that have been of so much benefit to so many can be used to help a group of people who are often vulnerable and who sometimes do not receive all the treatment that they deserve.

scholarly journals Quality of root canal treatment performed by undergraduate students at the Wits Oral Health Centre

2021 ◽  
Vol 76 (5) ◽  
pp. 270-278
Author(s):  
Ebrahim Patel ◽  
A Alaali M Ehbesh ◽  
Ismail E Munshi ◽  
Saidah Tootla
Keyword(s):  
Oral Health ◽  
Clinical Supervision ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Root Canal ◽  
Health Centre ◽  
Dental Students ◽  
Root Canal Treatment ◽  
Superior Result ◽  
Patient Allocation ◽  
The Impact

In 2012, the School of Oral Health Sciences at the University of the Witwatersrand modified its undergraduateendodontic curriculum which led to a need to assess the impact of curriculum changes on root canal treatmentoutcomes. This study was an audit of root canal treatment performed by undergraduate BDS students using postoperative radiographs, and compared the results between different undergraduate clinical years of study.Postoperative periapical radiographs of patients treated by undergraduate students were examined to assess length, density and taper. Two independent investigators were first calibrated, and thereafter assessed 299 endodontic cases that were performed by third, fourth and fifth year students during the 2013-2015 period at the Wits Oral Health Centre. 68.9%, 73.6% and 70.9% were found for adequate length, acceptable density and acceptable taper of root filling respectively. The most acceptable length, density and taper results were seen in patients treated by final year students, while the lowest results were observed in the fourth year student cohort. There was a tendency for third year students to overfill due to over-instrumentation of anterior teeth.The change in the curriculum has been justified, though room for improvement exists. The superior result found in the 5th year student cohort was most likely due to  their relative experience, and the use of rotary instrumentation and dental operating microscopes. Endodontic teaching should further emphasize the importance of length control during endodontic treatment and more stringent steps may be necessary during patient allocation and clinical supervision of fourth year dental students.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document