Ethical Issues In Oral Healthcare For Older Adults

The use of dental services by older adults is increasing, and a variety of ethical and moral dilemmas may arise not only because of a lack of financial resources and insurance, but also due to a higher prevalence of chronic diseases and disabilities that may complicate informed consent and selection of appropriate treatment options. Behavior management can also be a concern for older adults with neuropsychiatric disorders-and questions may surface about oral health-related manifestations of potential abuse and neglect. This article reviews key ethical issues in providing oral healthcare for older adults and offers strategies to address them.