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Adelaide, Australia – New research has revealed a concerning state of oral health among residents in Australian residential aged care (RAC) facilities, with one in five individuals experiencing significant dental problems and limited access to care.
A comprehensive analysis of data from 360,305 residents, conducted by the Registry of Senior Australians (ROSA) research center at SAHMRI, has exposed that 19.6% of individuals entering RAC facilities already suffer from oral health issues such as gum disease, tooth loss, and cavities. The findings, published in the prestigious Medical Journal of Australia, underscore a critical gap in the care provided to Australia’s most vulnerable elderly population.
The study further revealed that over 7,000 residents were hospitalized due to complications stemming from poor oral health, with half of these cases deemed potentially preventable.
“Our findings highlight that oral health care for our most vulnerable older Australians is not meeting the mark,” stated Professor Gill Caughey, the lead researcher. “These hospitalizations are really the tip of the iceberg in terms of poor oral health care and their impact on these individuals’ health and well-being.”
The researchers emphasized the serious consequences of neglected oral health, noting its strong links to comorbidities like cardiovascular disease, pneumonia, and cognitive decline.
Professor Caughey identified several systemic barriers contributing to this crisis, including poor access to dental services, high staff turnover in aged care facilities, limited dental and oral health education for staff, high costs associated with dental care, and a lack of integration between aged care and health sectors.
Despite recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety in 2021, which called for improved access to dental services and the establishment of a Senior Dental Benefits Scheme, progress has been minimal.
“If we’re serious about improving the well-being of older Australians, urgent policy and practice changes to prioritize oral health care need to be adopted,” Professor Caughey urged.
The research, conducted in collaboration with the South Australian Oral Health Plan Older Person’s Working Group, provides compelling evidence for the urgent implementation of a Senior Dental Benefits Scheme.
The published study is titled: “The oral health care needs of people living in residential aged care, Australia, 2016–20: a retrospective cross‐sectional study,” published in the Medical Journal of Australia. DOI: 10.5694/mja2.52625.
Disclaimer: This news article is based on information provided by the Registry of Senior Australians (ROSA) research center and published in the Medical Journal of Australia. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the information presented should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or dental advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with qualified healthcare professionals for any health concerns. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the researchers and do not necessarily reflect the views of this news outlet.
