Who will provide dental care for housebound people with oral problems?

Abstract

There are currently 9 1/2 million people in England and Wales over retirement age and nearly 4 million of these are over 75 years. 1 Age itself is not a disease and 70% of the population over 65 are functionally independent. However, ageing is associated with an increase in the prevalence of chronic disease and disability 2 and 20% of people over 65 years are frail and a further 10% are functionally dependent, either homebound or institutionalised. 3 The implications of this demographic change on oral health has been investigated. Reports show oral health for the well elderly is improving, 4 creating a demand for dental services, which this group are able to access, but maintenance of oral health and access to dental treatment is a problem for disabled elderly people, who, for their daily activity are dependent on carers.