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The Silver Tsunami: Safeguarding the Oral Health of Older Adults
December 5, 2023 @ 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm EST
By 2060, according to the US Census, the number of US adults aged 65 years or older is expected to reach 98 million, 24% of the overall population. Older Americans with the poorest oral health tend to be those who are economically disadvantaged, lack insurance, and are members of racial and ethnic minorities. Being disabled, homebound, or institutionalized (e.g., seniors who live in nursing homes) also increases the risk of poor oral health. Many older Americans do not have dental insurance because they lost their benefits upon retirement and the federal Medicare program does not cover routine dental care. – CDC. This webinar will explore the importance of oral health and the aging population, the consequences of untreated dental disease, delivery of care, and oral health prevention strategies for the elderly.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
- Discuss the impact of the Silver Tsunami on health delivery.
- Understand the importance of oral hygiene and the older adult.
- Describe the unique oral health issues for older adults.
- Know risk factors when older adults are left with untreated dental disease.
- Review delivery of care models for homebound patients.
- Be aware of certain risk factors for the institutionalized elderly.
