Who will provide dental care for housebound people with oral problems?
There are currently 9(1/2) million people in England and Wales over retirement age and nearly 4 million of these are over 75 years. Age itself is not a disease and 70% of the population over 65 are functionally independent. However, ageing is associated with an increase in the prevalence of chronic disease and disability and 20% of people over 65 years are frail and a further 10% are functionally dependent, either homebound or institutionalised. The implications of this demographic change on oral health has been investigated. Reports show oral health for the well elderly is improving, creating a demand for dental services, which this group are able to access, but maintenance of oral health and access to dental treatment is a problem for disabled elderly people, who, for their daily activity are dependent on carers.
Simons
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Hertfordshire Partnership Trust CDS.
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D003695:Delivery of Health Care; D019230:Dental Audit; D016321:Dental Care for Aged; D017742:Dental Care for Chronically Ill; D003730:Dental Care for Persons with Disabilities; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D016330:Frail Elderly; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006699:Home Care Services; D018577:Homebound Persons; D006801:Humans; D007326:Institutionalization; D008297:Male; D020380:Needs Assessment; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D013218:State Dentistry; D014852:Wales