There is an alarming gap in dental care for older Americans, as only 29 percent of adults age 65 and older had dental insurance in 2017, a CDC report found, according to U.S. News & World Report.
Of older adults in America, 66 percent reported that they had seen a dentist in the last year. However, these numbers are low compared to younger adults with private insurance, the CDC reports.
The CDC report said dental care for older adults is often "overlooked," with major disparities existing in access and treatment options.
"Dental care is an important component of healthcare for the older population," the report said. "Chronic diseases that may impact oral health and the need for care, such as diabetes and osteoporosis, are common among the older population, and poor oral health may contribute to the risk of certain conditions."
More specifically, the report found 70 percent of adults 65 years and older have a form of gum disease. In 2017, 8 percent of adults didn't receive the care they needed due to costs. Older adults who are poor, uninsured and racial or ethnic minorities were found to have the poorest oral health.
To read more, click here.
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Of older adults in America, 66 percent reported that they had seen a dentist in the last year. However, these numbers are low compared to younger adults with private insurance, the CDC reports.
The CDC report said dental care for older adults is often "overlooked," with major disparities existing in access and treatment options.
"Dental care is an important component of healthcare for the older population," the report said. "Chronic diseases that may impact oral health and the need for care, such as diabetes and osteoporosis, are common among the older population, and poor oral health may contribute to the risk of certain conditions."
More specifically, the report found 70 percent of adults 65 years and older have a form of gum disease. In 2017, 8 percent of adults didn't receive the care they needed due to costs. Older adults who are poor, uninsured and racial or ethnic minorities were found to have the poorest oral health.
To read more, click here.
More articles on dental
Nevada lawmakers seek to license dental therapists
Dentsply Sirona relocates, CFO to resign
From private practice to DSO: How Aspen Dental's Dr. Anita Imadomwanyi's career has evolved
There is an alarming gap in dental care for older Americans, as only 29 percent of adults age 65 and older had dental insurance in 2017, a CDC report found, according to U.S. News & World Report.
Of older adults in America, 66 percent reported that they had seen a dentist in the last year. However, these numbers are low compared to younger adults with private insurance, the CDC reports.
The CDC report said dental care for older adults is often "overlooked," with major disparities existing in access and treatment options.
"Dental care is an important component of healthcare for the older population," the report said. "Chronic diseases that may impact oral health and the need for care, such as diabetes and osteoporosis, are common among the older population, and poor oral health may contribute to the risk of certain conditions."
More specifically, the report found 70 percent of adults 65 years and older have a form of gum disease. In 2017, 8 percent of adults didn't receive the care they needed due to costs. Older adults who are poor, uninsured and racial or ethnic minorities were found to have the poorest oral health.
To read more, click here.
Of older adults in America, 66 percent reported that they had seen a dentist in the last year. However, these numbers are low compared to younger adults with private insurance, the CDC reports.
The CDC report said dental care for older adults is often "overlooked," with major disparities existing in access and treatment options.
"Dental care is an important component of healthcare for the older population," the report said. "Chronic diseases that may impact oral health and the need for care, such as diabetes and osteoporosis, are common among the older population, and poor oral health may contribute to the risk of certain conditions."
More specifically, the report found 70 percent of adults 65 years and older have a form of gum disease. In 2017, 8 percent of adults didn't receive the care they needed due to costs. Older adults who are poor, uninsured and racial or ethnic minorities were found to have the poorest oral health.
To read more, click here.