Care and Treatment of Frail Older Adults in the Dental Office: A Case Report.

Abstract

Population aging is a worldwide phenomenon that is changing healthcare systems globally, including dentistry. The percentage of frail older adults living in the community has increased as baby boomers age. The majority of these frail older adults are not edentulous, and require the services of a general dentist. Using a longitudinal case history, the authors have discussed the problems and decision making required to care for such an individual in a private dental office. We believe that with a better understanding of medicine and pharmacology, a general dentist should be able to develop a rational treatment plan for frail and dependent older adults who live in the community.