Dentists respond to new report on care for over-65s

The BDA has long advocated a joined-up strategy for care for the over-65s. In 2003, it outlined 21 recommendations to improve the oral healthcare of older adults. To date only seven of these recommendations have been met in full.

Mick Armstrong, chair of the BDA, said, “Senior citizens, whether they are resident in care homes or living at home independently or with support, all face significant barriers to accessing quality dental care.

“The complex and diverse needs of a growing group of vulnerable patients are going unmet. We urgently require a strategy that ensures oral health for the over-65s is no longer treated as an optional extra.”