Geriatric Dentistry Program is Expanding

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Vancouver, November 2003— The Geriatric Dentistry Program, which already serves all of Providence Health Care's 800 long-term care residents, has been expanded to serve residents at neighbouring facilities. The program has signed an agreement to deliver dental care to 300 residents in three Vancouver Coastal Health Residential facilities located near St.Vincent's, Langara. The services will include some bedside treatment as well as outpatient referrals to the dentistry clinic at Langara.

The Geriatric Dentistry program, which began last year as a joint initiative of PHC's Centre for Aging and Health and the UBC Faculty of Dentistry, is the first of its kind in Canada. It promotes healthy dental hygiene for long-term care residents, treats their dental care needs, trains young dentists in geriatric dentistry and conducts research. “This program improves residents' quality of life by helping them become infection-free and pain-free, which enables them to eat better and be more comfortable,” said Taj Bhaloo, leader of the Centre for Aging and Health. “We are very proud that other long-term care facilities have recognized the value and quality of this service and are waiting for us to include their residents in our program.” The Geriatric Dentistry Program was developed in response to a needs assessment sponsored by the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority three year sago. The assessment confirmed that many residents have oral health problems – a situation believed to be common in long term care facilities across the country. The Geriatric Dentistry Program is made possible with support from Vancouver Coastal Health and the St. Vincent's Hospital Foundation.