Older Americans suffer from a variety of oral diseases, which in many cases interact with existing medical conditions. Oral disease affecting seniors, especially those who are identified by the American Dental Association as vulnerable elders, include tooth decay, decay of the root, periodontal disease, oral cancer, dry mouth, poor eating habits and inadequate nutrition. They are challenged by a lack of funds for oral health care, of transportation and mobility, of knowledge about how to protect their oral health, and of caregivers to support daily oral hygiene care.
Oral Health Kansas has established several programs/services designed to support seniors’ needs for individualized and specialized oral health care. These include partnering with state and local agencies serving older Kansans, developing and distributing oral health public awareness and educational materials, and providing educational opportunities for all who support the care and wellbeing of vulnerable elders.
Overarching Goal
To Improve the oral health of older Kansans
To provide oral health education all who provide support and care for older Kansans
Strategies
- Increase access to professional dental care for older Kansans
- Offer continuing dental education programs focusing on the conditions and challenges that seniors face
- Provide educational workshops on oral health care to all who provide care and support for vulnerable elders
Programs and Products
Smiles for a Lifetime:
A comprehensive oral health care program for older Kansans in partnership with Central Plains Area Agency on Aging, serving Butler, Harvey and Sedgwick Counties
Healthy Aging:
The Medical/Dental Integration Advisory Council has the responsibility to develop a strategic plan to better integrate the medical and dental health of older Kansans.
Smiles for a Lifetime Oral Health Handbook for Home Health Aides:
A guide for home health agencies to use for staff orientation and training, and for seniors and their families to identify details
Oral Health: Taking Care of Elders:
A two-page fact sheet describing the oral health needs and challenges of elders, as well as Kansas programs to serve them
PARTNERS
Kansas Association of Area Agencies on Aging
Central Plains Area Agency on Aging
Kansas Department on Aging
LINKS
Oral Longevity - American Dental Association
Oral Health for Older Americans Center for Disease Control and Prevention
CDC Aims to Prevent Oral Disease Among Older Americans. American Society on Aging
Healthy Mouth, Healthy Body. AARP
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