If their dentist is perceived as being uncaring of his patient’s comfort, many senior citizens will fail to schedule regular office visits. A discouraging statistic (quite frankly mind-blowing) is the fact that a current poll was taken revealing that the NUMBER ONE reason elderly folk will not go to the dentist is NOT the price – it’s the attitude of their “caregiver!” Studies have been conducted about this older part of the population and their dental habits and attitudes.
The type of dentist who communicates well, listens, and takes the time to explain procedures is what many of the elderly would prefer. If necessary dental care in the older population is an issue, this factor must be taken into consideration. In order to provide the best health care possible, this requires the dental industry as a whole to modify its views of older patients.
Plenty of seniors have frightening tales from visits to dentists who were unfriendly or unprofessional. In one case, an older woman was instructed to swallow all of the blood that was coming from a tooth extraction. She panicked and refused, calling her husband to take her home even to this day she lives with dentures.
Very few people truly enjoy a trip to the dentist. It’s important to find a dental office that makes you feel secure and relaxed, regardless of how old you are. If a dentist will communicate with his elderly patients clearly, they are sure to be able to continue serving their older patients.
Seniors like to have a good explanation of what?s going on. There are often so many appointments with different doctors that an elderly patient may feel as though things are being done without their knowledge. With something as intimate as the mouth, they need to be better informed.
The older generation will generally only go to the dentist when they experience oral pain. While only 8% of seniors experience dental pain, 64% of seniors experience dental issues. Education is an important factor that can help remedy this problem.
Although there is a lot of research on the elderly and their dental habits, there are scores of studies on the attitudes and habits of dentists toward to their patients which isn’t limited to older patients. You can extrapolate this information to apply to people from all generations, from any background, no matter where they live. The bottom line of the studies is that everyone wants and anticipates the dentist and his or her staff to treat them politely and kindly because anyone working in the dental care field should be aware of the fear with which people come to the dentist.
The significant fact revealed by surveys is that unless there is tooth-related pain which forces them to go, many people will simply neglect their oral health. Obviously, much “doctoring” is needed to mend this broken doctor / patient partnership before routine, preventative visits can resume. Let’s face it – a “caregiver” that doesn’t genuinely care for his patients is utterly USELESS!
Another step that can be taken is through the community spreading the awareness of the essential need for oral health. Businesses and government alike can get on board with this cause. Advertising campaigns geared at raising awareness and positive association are in order. Dentists need to be invited to come into schools and talk to students.
Stress should be placed on how dental health is directly related to overall health. We all make time to have regular check-ups at the doctor, and it is this attitude that should be carried on when caring for our mouth. This approach would be an excellent way to reach the senior citizens as well.
It is nice when you see an 85year old woman cheerfully pointing to her teeth. Happy that she hasn?t lost many, she owes it all to finding a dentist that treats her right. It is vital for all dentists to be very concerned that patients are comfortable and treated with sensitivity.
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