Call for greater focus on the role of oral health in later life
New guidelines provide practical support for oral health teams across general, community and hospital dental services
The Faculty of Dental Surgery (FDS) at the Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCS England) has published new clinical guidelines to support oral health care for older people, calling for oral health to be recognised as an essential part of healthy ageing.
With the number of people in the UK aged 85 years and over projected to double over the next 25 years, from 1.75 million in mid-2024 to 3.6 million by mid-2049, the guidelines highlight the importance of planning ahead for oral health as people’s wider health and care needs change with age.
The new guidelines provide practical support for oral health teams across general, community and hospital dental services. They are designed to help dental teams identify risks earlier, prevent avoidable deterioration, adapt care as people’s circumstances change, and ensure patients receive the right care in the right setting.
For most older adults this will continue to be within general dental practice, while recognising that some people may require additional support through shared care arrangements, community services, specialist input, domiciliary care and end of life care.
Dr Charlotte Eckhardt, former Dean of the Faculty of Dental Surgery (FDS) at the Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCS England), said: “Good oral health care is an important part of healthy ageing, supporting quality of life, independence and dignity.
“These guidelines provide practical support for the whole oral health team. They bring together the latest evidence and expert clinical input to help practitioners deliver preventative, person-centred care that adapts to the people’s needs throughout later life.
“We encourage the whole dental team to adopt these guidelines, share with their professional networks and help ensure older people receive high-quality, personalised oral healthcare throughout later life.”