BDA Warns Dental Care for Older People a Problem in the UK
The British Dental Association has warned that dental care for older people is a problem in the UK following the recent release of a report.
The report claims that older people are underserved and there are concerns about the future of oral healthcare for older people. The report also suggested that oral health was not regarded as a priority and this was contributing to many people not receiving appropriate standards of care.
According to the BDA, the report is especially worrying, as the population is ageing and pressure on oral health services for older people will only increase in the future.
The BDA report is a follow-up to check progress since 21 recommendations were made in a 2003 study. According to the most recent report, only 6 of the 21 recommendations have been met and challenges including the availability of information to patients, a lack of prescriptions for artificial saliva and a lack of a suitable system for caring for the needs of older people, still remain.
In light of the concerns raised, the new report suggest 12 priority issues, which include free check-ups for people over 60, a better relationship between health and social care and a basic set of standards to come into play in care homes.
Join this Discussion
