Enduring Smiles

1. Identify compromising conditions affecting this age group that increase oral health needs.
2. Discuss the oral and systemic health interconnection and emphasize why oral health matters in the geriatric population.
3. Understand teledentistry as a viable option to address access to dental care for this age group.
4. Discuss Post-Covid 19 Pandemic considerations in the dental office setting, and using new technology.

1. Discuss the symptoms of dry mouth and identify the common causes.
2. Identify most prescribed/common medications used by aged adults.
3. Understand why medication side-effects are more significant in the elderly.
4. Understand compromised saliva and the role it plays in increased dental disease.
5. Manage oral side-effects and/or alleviate symptoms with special oral care products.

Product Resources Sheet

1. Identify oral health/dental diseases in older adults.
2. Discuss the mouth-body connection and how dental disease may increase the risk of systemic diseases.
3. Understand how dental disease/conditions can lead to nutrition deficiencies.
4. Discuss how nutritional deficiencies may lead to medical conditions that lead to alterations in the diet.
5. Understand how oral health and nutrition risk factors can lead to the inability to heal properly.
6. Recognize the importance of healthy eating guidelines.
7. Perform a comprehensive diet analysis with recommendations for improvements.

Endearing Smiles: Oral Health Care for Adults with Intellectual / Developmental Disabilities