Prevention by dental care professionals

Abstract

Oral diseases have a significant impacts on older adults, and dental care delivery can be challenging owing to behavioural, social and medical complexities. Therefore, prevention is paramount. There are significant opportunities in using the wider oral health team in prevention for our ageing population, which extends beyond the chairside in dental practice to wider public health initiatives across health and social care. This article highlights the areas where dental care professionals could play key roles in oral health improvement and dental care delivery for older adults, and support a shift towards prevention-focused patient-centred care. CPD/Clinical Relevance: It is important to use the whole oral health team in prevention of oral diseases in older adults.