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Benedict, Annette W.

School of Nursing

2004

M.S.

Historically, older adults have been edentulous and their dental health needs were perceived as minimal. Currently, new cohorts of adults are entering old age with intact dentition, a result of advances in preventive dental care, nutrition, and fluoridated water supplies. The purpose of this study was to describe the general practice of oral health among older Vermont adults. Study participants were a convenience sample of Vermont adults (n=176) over the age of 55 recruited through senior centers and senior housing from each of the five Vermont Area Agency on Aging catchment areas. The sample population completed a self-report interview exploring oral health care perceptions and practices, as well as how frequently older adults access and use dental care.
Subjects were primarily female and the majority lived alone. The mean age of subjects was 76 -77 years. Fifty-five percent of subjects reported annual income of $15,000 or more. The self-reported oral health practices of this population showed 70% of subjects brushed more then once a day and 69% sought routine dental care. Higher levels of education and income were found to associated with more positive oral health care practices. The data collected adds to the current body of knowledge regarding elders' oral health care needs and provides information to the Vermont Health Department and Area Agencies on Aging.