Since 2015, Canadians aged 65 and over began to outnumber children under age 15. Seniors now represent Canada’s fastest growing demographic and, by 2035, one in four Canadians will be over age 65. This demographic shift will present challenges and opportunities for the health landscape of older Canadians, and dentists should be ready to adapt to this emerging reality. Geriatric Dentistry Residency Track Program at UBC There are many difficulties in providing dental care for older adults, especially for frail and functionally dependent individuals. These patients often have multiple medical conditions, are taking several medications, and struggle with activities of daily living such as toileting, bathing, or dressing themselves. As people get older, some may also start showing signs of oral frailty, particularly those suffering from cognitive impairment. People in this group tend to have higher rates of oral disease because maintaining good oral hygiene can be a challenge. “Edentulism has decreased in Canada and people are retaining more of their teeth,” says Dr. NicholasTong, Assistant Professor of Teaching and Program Director at the University of British Columbia’s (UBC) General Practice Residency program. “Many of these older adults have benefited from sophisticated dentistry over their lifetime but they now need maintenance of these interventions, things such as implants, crowns, bridges, or multiple fillings.” Edentulism has decreased in Canada and people are retaining more of their teeth. Many of these older adults have benefited from sophisticated dentistry over their lifetime but they now need maintenance of these interventions. The private practice model in Canada can also present challenges for people that are functionally dependent. Something as routine as getting to a dental practice and getting in the dental chair, if you are in a wheelchair, can Dr. Nicholas Tong, Assistant Professor of Teaching andProgramDirector at theUniversity of British Columbia’s (UBC) General Practice Residency program. 28 | 2023 | Issue 4
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