Centre for Aging and Health leads new innovative Geriatric Dentistry Program

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Vancouver, DVine 3(21), October 2002— Providence Health Care is taking a giant step toward improving the dental health of its 850 long-term care residents with the introduction of the new Geriatric Dentistry Program. The Geriatric Dental Program will bring preventative services and treatment to all of Providence's long term care residents, either at the bedside, in UBC's Specialty Clinic or at St. Vincent's Hospital. The program will also promote daily oral hygiene to seniors and the community through education.

Dental care among the elderly, especially those in residential care, is often   neglected. And many private dental clinics are poorly equipped for the physical and cognitive limitations common among the frail elderly.

“Oral health treatment and preventative services are crucial to the quality of life of those in residential care,” said Chris Wyatt, Program leader for the Geriatric Dentistry Program.

“The Geriatric Dental Program will benefit residents of Providence Health Care long-term care facilities and eventually, in the greater community.”

The first of its kind in Canada, the program is a joint initiative of the St.Vincent's Hospital Foundation, the UBC Faculty of Dentistry, the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority and the Centre for Aging and Health at Providence Health Care.

The first satellite dental clinics Dentistry Program are located at Brock Farhni Pavilion and Youville Residence. The program will continue to grow, with more satellite clinics planned for langara, Holy Family and Mount St. Joseph hospitals.

In a recent study by the UBC Faculty of Dentistry, residents with access to an organized dental service had twice as many natural teeth, half as much tooth decay and fewer oral health problems such as gum disease.