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Aging and Dental Health
April 17 @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm EDT
Course description
This course will cover oral health topics for the older adult. Discussion will include: population trends, multiple comorbidities, polypharmacy, psychological changes, cognitive impairment and dental conditions associated with aging. Participants will examine unique issues caring for the older adults.
Today, there are more than 46 million older adults aged 65 and older living in the US. By 2050, that number is expected to grow to almost 90 million. Between 2020 and 2030 alone, the time that the baby boomers reach age 65, the number of older adults is projected to increase by almost 18 million. With this growing older adult population, there will be an increased number with complex medical conditions needing comprehensive elder care. Furthermore, older adults are retaining their teeth longer and this will add to the growing number of patients the RDH will have to treat in the dental practice. Are you ready as an RDH?
Upon completion of this course, the practitioner will be able to:
- Describe the oral effects of common medications of the older adult
- Discuss chronic medical conditions that impact healthy aging
- Analyze oral hygiene preventive care of the older adult
- Examine cognitive limitations affecting dental care and oral home care