NEW PROGRAMS FOR ADVANCED TRAINING IN DENTAL GERIATRICS

The unprecedented increase in the number and percentage of Americans who are older than the age of 65 is presenting the health care system with unique diagnostic, therapeutic, fiscal, and ethical challenges. Chronic disease, complex pharmacotherapeutic regimens, and psychosocial and physical dysfunction are prevalent in this age group. The dental profession is faced not only with an increase in the number and complexity of older patients, but with the fact that growing numbers of older patients are retaining a greater proportion of their natural dentitions for longer periods. To help meet the need for increased professional skill to deal with these issues, the Health Resources and Services Administration of the Department of Health and Human Services is supporting 23 medical school based geriatrics training programs, designed expressly for physicians and dentists. The programs offer a mixture of experiences in: clinical care of the elderly in a variety of settings; design and conduct of research relevant to geriatric and gerontologic issues; enhancement of pedagogical skills; and program administration. Physicians and dentists share many of the training experiences, providing both groups with unique insights into the presentation and management of their patients' problems, and an enriched awareness of each other's contributions to the care of the elderly.