Dental surgery attendance amongst patients with moderately advanced dementia attending a day unit: a survey of carers' views.
OBJECTIVE
To ascertain the views of carers of patients with dementia, on the patient's dental health needs.


METHODS
Prospective survey using semi-structured interview.


METHODS
Dementia day care unit for patients living in their own homes.


METHODS
Twenty-eight carers of dementia sufferers were interviewed between March and September 2000, as part of regular clinical reviews of patient's needs. Carers' views on the dental care needs of patients were ascertained. Cognitive and behavioural assessments of patients were also made using the Clifton Assessment Procedure for the Elderly (CAPE).


METHODS
Dental unmet need ie the carer deciding that the patient needed a dental examination, but anticipating that this would be problematic, the carer would not take them.


RESULTS
Twenty one per cent met criteria for dental unmet need.


CONCLUSIONS
Carers of people with dementia may be reluctant to take those they care for to the dentist. We need to explore ways to ensure appropriate dental surgery attendance.
Hilton
C
C
Mental Health Service for Older Adults (Harrow), Central and North West London Mental Health NHS Trust, Northwick Park Hospital, Watford Road, Harrow HA1 3UJ. claire.hilton@harrowpct.nhs.uk
Simons
B
B
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001294:Attitude to Health; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003631:Day Care, Medical; D003704:Dementia / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D003729:Dental Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020380:Needs Assessment