Task Force on Oral Health of Older Adults Releases "Just the F.A.C.T.S" Oral Health Report

Hartford- The Task Force on Oral Health of Older Adults released its report Just the F.A.C.T.S after a year-long review of oral health concerns of older adults in Connecticut.  The F.A.C.T.S. are Financial, Advocacy, Communication, Treatment and Services strategies to improve the oral health and overall health of Connecticut's older adult residents.

The task force was formed last year by the Department of Public Health after concerns from the community were raised about access to oral health services.  The task force included representatives from the Connecticut Association of Agencies on Aging, AARP, Connecticut Association for Not-for-Profit Providers for the Aging, Connecticut Association of Health Care Facilities, Connecticut Alzheimer's Association, Connecticut Dental Hygienists' Association, Inc., Connecticut Department of Developmental Services, Connecticut Department of Social Services, Connecticut Health Foundation, Connecticut Oral Health Initiative, Connecticut State Dental Association, the Office of Long Term Care Ombudsman, and the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine.

"We asked the task force members to come up with actionable strategies, those that can be implemented now without a lot of planning and allocation of new funds," said Dr. Norma Gyle, Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Public Health.  "I know it was a tall order but they succeeded.  I am pleased that many of the strategies focus on what the different community organizations and agencies that work with older adults can do to support improved oral health for this population and not just what state government can do," she said.

The older adult population in the U.S. is projected to increase by 126 percent over the next 50 years.  Currently in Connecticut, the elderly population represents approximately 14 percent of the population.

According to Dr. Ardell Wilson, State Oral Health Director, "Many older adults are not aware of where or how to access dental services in their community.  Obstacles to oral healthcare include limited knowledge about dental insurance coverage and out-of-pocket costs, limited public transportation options, reduced retirement income and knowledge about the importance of oral health to overall health.  Just the F.A.C.T.S. outlines strategies to address each of these issues."

Contact a local dentist to learn more about how to maintain your oral heath!