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Dentists’ Opinions in Providing Oral Healthcare to Elderly People: A Questionnaire-Based Online Cross-Sectional Survey

Author

Listed:
  • Daria Madunic

    (Study of Dental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia)

  • Lidia Gavic

    (Study of Dental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia)

  • Ivan Kovacic

    (Department of Prosthodontics, Study of Dental Medicine, School of medicine, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia)

  • Neven Vidovic

    (Study of Dental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia)

  • Jasen Vladislavic

    (Department of Pulmonology, University Hospital Center Split, 21000 Split, Croatia)

  • Antonija Tadin

    (Department of Restorative Dental Medicine and Endodontics, Study of Dental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia)

Abstract

This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the factors in dentists’ opinions related to oral health and the treatment management of the elderly. An online questionnaire-based survey was conducted among the dentist population ( n = 463). Respondents were divided depending on whether they attended the geriatric dentistry course during their education, and 15 questions on the Likert scale demonstrated the difference in their attitudes. The majority of respondents (61.9%) agree that dental studies should pay more attention to acquiring sufficient knowledge and skills in the treatment of the elderly, and 56.2% would like to attend a course on that subject. Compared to those who participated in the geriatric dentistry course, those who did not consider providing oral healthcare to older people find it more difficult because of its complexity and practical obstacles (37.3% vs. 54%, p ≤ 0.001). From the results of this study, it can be concluded that there are differences in opinion about the provision of oral healthcare to the elderly between dentists who have and who have not attended a geriatric dentist course during their education. During the dentist’s education, geriatric dentistry courses should have a significant role in providing knowledge for working with the elderly population.

Suggested Citation

  • Daria Madunic & Lidia Gavic & Ivan Kovacic & Neven Vidovic & Jasen Vladislavic & Antonija Tadin, 2021. "Dentists’ Opinions in Providing Oral Healthcare to Elderly People: A Questionnaire-Based Online Cross-Sectional Survey," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(6), pages 1-12, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:6:p:3257-:d:521605
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ina Nitschke & Sebastian Hahnel & Julia Jockusch, 2021. "Health-Related Social and Ethical Considerations towards the Utilization of Dental Medical Services by Seniors: Influencing and Protective Factors, Vulnerability, Resilience and Sense of Coherence," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-16, February.
    2. Florence M. F. Wong & Yannies T. Y. Ng & W. Keung Leung, 2019. "Oral Health and Its Associated Factors Among Older Institutionalized Residents—A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(21), pages 1-29, October.
    3. Irina Xavier & Ronald L. Ettinger & Luís Proença & João Botelho & Vanessa Machado & João Rua & Ana S. Delgado & José J. Mendes, 2020. "Geriatric Dentistry Curriculum in Six Continents," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-12, June.
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