The proportion of the Australian population over 85 years of age, with natural teeth, is increasing rapidly. Diagnostic and clinical challenges are presenting for dental management of those who are frail and dependent on others for care. New clinical techniques and approaches are required to manage the diversity of oral health needs of this emerging group.

Course Topics

• Awareness of the diversity of the ageing process and the concept of frailty
• Diagnostic and treatment planning challenges for patients and their carers with deteriorating health
• Aligning clinical procedures with patient risk assessment
• Clinical care in residential and specialist settings

Learning Objectives

By the completion of this course the participant will be:

• Aware of the clinical challenges of frail and dependent dentate older people
• Understand the diversity of interventional techniques to manage differing risks in frail older people
• Able to provide appropriate care and advice to patients and their carers, and refer cases when appropriate

The changing age demography of Australia will require dentists to adapt their skills to meet more challenging demands of older people with disabilities. As our patients age, the dental care we have provided will require a new set of skills to maintain function and freedom from their oral health impacting on general health morbidity.