Gerodonti – ett nordiskt perspektiv på utbildning, organisation och finansiering
Sammanfattning
Geriatric dentistry is a young discipline that has developed
in response to the increase in older groups
of the dentate geriatric population, and with it consequently
also the need for special knowledge and
skills to take care of the elderly’s oral health. However,
geriatric dentistry has not yet been established
within the dental profession’s educational or
organizational systems. Further on, education in
geriatric dentistry varies between universities in
the Nordic countries and funding of geriatric dentistry
varies between diff erent regions. The target
group of elderly is an increasing proportion of society
and dental patients, and the current article
focuses on the most relevant societal odontological
aspects of geriatric dentistry. Elderly are a heterogeneous
group that comprises healthy adults
through to dependent residents in nursing homes,
which presents many challenges and not just in respect
of theoretical knowledge and clinical skills.
To secure a good oral health throughout life, effective
care systems and fi nancial support are also
necessary.