Gerodontology Essentials for Health Care Professionals

This book provides basic knowledge and skills for non-dental healthcare practitioners, helping them recognize the importance of oral health, perform initial oral health assessments, consult dentists when necessary, and offer preventive advice and counseling. As people age, they tend to refrain from routine dental care, while the number of consultations with non-dental healthcare providers (physicians, nurses, pharmacists, physician assistants, physical therapists, occupational therapists etc.) increases. However, few healthcare providers are adequately trained to assess oral problems. The relevance of this book is underscored by the recently published European policy recommendations on oral health in older adults by the European College of Gerodontology and the European Geriatric Medicine Society, which highlight the importance of the active involvement of non-dental primary care practitioners in oral health assessment and promotion. These two respected European Societies have identified a significant gap in education, practice and health policies and described the necessary action plans. This book helps to fill the educational gap identified in the recommendations and will be an invaluable tool for all healthcare providers working with older people.

Dr Anastassia Kossioni is an Associate Professor of Gerodontology at the School of Dentistry of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece. She obtained her DDS and PhD from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, her MSc in Gerodontology from the University of London, and her Postgraduate Certificate in Open and Distance Learning from the Hellenic Open University. She has served in various Council positions at the European College of Gerodontology, in which she was appointed as President for 2019-2020; she is member of the Academic Board of the European Geriatric Medicine Society (EuGMS) and founder and co-chair of the EuGMS Special Interest Group in Gerodontology. She has authored several publications including teaching guidelines for undergraduate Gerodontology education in Europe and recommendations for promoting oral health in older adults.