O3‐07‐01: Oral Health and Dementia: Current Evidence and Recommendations

The epidemic of dementia in our growing older population combined with declining tooth loss, increasing oral health expectations, and the recognition of the importance of oral health for overall health have now increased the need for all health professionals to become more knowledgeable about common oral health problems and evidence-based recommendations for maintaining oral health for adults with dementing illnesses. The University of Minnesota School of Dentistry's Oral Health Services for Older Adults (OHSOA) Program has been a pioneer in education, research and clinical care for those with dementia. Care delivery models and recent research conducted at OHSOA-affiliated community clinics have provided encouraging evidence of the value of providing access to high quality, comprehensive dental care in minimizing tooth loss and preserving oral health and function for older adults with dementia. Recently published studies conducted at OHSOA's community clinics have verified the association between functional impairment from conditions such as dementia and the development of oral disease, along with the fact that those with dementia can preserve their dentition and oral health as well as those without dementia when adequate comprehensive dental care is provided. This presentation will review: 1) common oral health concerns in those with dementia; 2) outcomes of dental care in dementia patients; 3) recommended dental treatment modifications for those with dementia; and 4) evidence-based preventive oral care recommendations and modifications for dementia patients.