Learning Objectives: 

• Identify Critical Needs in Senior Healthcare and how to approach long-term care facilities.  
• Discuss the sensory, physical, and cognitive impairments that complicate dental treatment and communication for the geriatric patient.  
• Introduce effective communication methods with caregivers and other interprofessional in long-term care facilities.  
• Review potential drug interactions that geriatric patients are more susceptible to, which can cause medical errors and oral manifestations, and discuss the best products for senior oral care.
• Identify the significant severe dental health problems associated with many geriatric patients.
• List practical ways to provide dental hygiene care to patients with dementia, tube-fed, cognitively impaired, and much more.
• Describe how to get reimbursed for care provided.
• Everyone will leave with a Geriatric oral care certification certificate.

The Geriatric Oral Care Course addresses a neglected aspect of senior care in long-term care facilities nationwide. "Oral health is a window to one's overall health, especially in senior years," Dunbar said. "Poor oral hygiene can lead to severe health complications, such as nutritional deficiencies and systemic diseases. This course is a crucial step in bridging this care gap." Research shows a correlation between oral health and major health issues like heart disease, pneumonia, and diabetes, which are prevalent in older adults. The lack of proper dental care in these facilities increases these risks, making skilled geriatric oral care crucial. Dunbar's course covers the unique challenges seniors face, including mobility issues, complex medical histories, and cognitive impairments like dementia. Dental professionals will learn about the aging mouth, effective strategies for oral health assessments, and care planning. The course also emphasizes interprofessional communication and collaboration, showing how dental professionals can work with caregivers and medical staff to ensure comprehensive senior care. The course will discuss different ways to get reimbursement for services provided and how to gain access to the long term care facilities. In addition, the course offers insights on addressing barriers to oral care in the elderly, including socioeconomic challenges, cultural disparities, and the identification of oral neglect and elder abuse. "Empowering dental professionals with the right tools and knowledge to serve our aging population is not just a professional duty; it's a moral obligation," Dunbar said.