Optimal Oral Health for Frail Older Adults: Best Practices Along the Continuum of Care

CDA’s Committee on Clinical and Scientific Affairs (CCSA) developed this compilation of best dental and oral care practices for seniors along the continuum of care, from the private practice setting to long-term care facilities. It is designed for dentists and other healthcare professionals responsible for the oral health of seniors.

CDA recognizes that many seniors face substantial barriers and profound disparities in accessing needed dental services, resulting in poor oral and general health. This has a negative impact on quality of life in a time often characterized by increasing disability and decreasing independence.

To confront the critical issues facing seniors’ oral health care in Canada, CDA brought together corporate and clinical leaders from across Canada in 2005 to identify key issues, develop a national vision and to take action on the significant challenges inherent in promoting optimal oral health for the elderly. The national forum report Taking Action on Seniors' Oral Health Care led to CDA taking action in 4 areas: education, research, strategic planning and delivery of care.

Optimal Oral Health for Frail Older Adults: Best Practices Along the
Continuum of Care (PDF 343 KB)

Patient Information Forms

Dental professionals need to be aware of the medical status of older patients, the medications they are taking and the possible effects of these drugs on treatment.

The following standardized patient information forms may be helpful in providing a patient’s medical information before the first visit to the dental office.

Patient Information Form – Community (PDF 51 KB)
Patient Information Form – Community (Word 28 KB)
Patient Information Form – Hospital Facility (PDF 28 KB)
Patient Information Form – Hospital Facility (Word 49 KB)

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