The Role of University Dentistry Education in an Aging Society

Abstract

: As society has aged, the proportion of individuals aged ≥ 75 years has increased, resulting in a higher number of patients with underlying comorbidities presenting for dental care. However, dental care in Japan is not currently capable of accommodating such changes, and it is incumbent upon universities to train new dentists for the requisite skills. The system must be able to deal with three challenges: (1) provide satisfactory and safe dental care for patients with underlying comorbidities; (2) maintain close cooperation with physicians; and (3) maintain and restore oral function. Showa University is working quickly to reform its dental education system with these challenges in mind.