Online Program

Oral

Older adult oral health is widely recognized as understudied. The purpose of this session is to highlight disparities in oral health of older adults, to identify promising intervention research approaches to improve older adult oral health and hygiene; to highlight policy changes required to make a significant difference in the oral health status of diverse low income adults and to review existing funding opportunities for further research in these areas. The session will highlight class differences across ethnic and racial groups in general and by state, provide examples of site based approaches to improve oral health status of older low income adults that address cultural, racial and ethnic differences; situate the work of one state recognized for its work in older adult leadership and policy advocacy in the context of other national work; and provide information on NIDCR sources of funding to research these efforts to develop best practices. The reactor will provide critical commentary on the papers and suggest new and innovative directions for community based research and policy promotion in geriatric oral health.

Session Objectives: Describe oral health disparities affecting older adults in general and low income and minority older adults (BY STATE). Identify multilevel and site based approaches to public health research to reduce oral health disparities. Describe an innovative multilevel site based intervention study to improving oral health disparities in older low income adults. Identify major policy gaps to be addressed in improving oral health of older adults especially those experiencing disparities. List three different mechanism for promoting advocacy to improve oral health of older adults at the national, state and local levels. Identify new research designs and approaches to evidence based community intervention research with older adults. Identify at least one national funding opportunity for research on oral health disparities with older adults.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH) , Masters Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES)