Dental care for people living with dementia: current challenges and planning for the future. The UK perspective

Abstract

Dementia is a major public health challenge, and its impact on oral health and oral healthcare delivery can be drastic. More people are living with dementia, and the proportion of people living longer is growing. This review summarises dementia and its impact on oral health, dental care access and dental services. People living with dementia (PLwD) face a substantial risk of developing oral diseases and experiencing orofacial pain. PLwD face many barriers to dental care. When care is accessed, there can be practical and ethical challenges in receiving person-centred treatment. PLwD with the most complex needs are increasing in number and more are likely to require specialist care. Recommendations are made regarding preventative care, dental care access, domiciliary care, workforce planning and treatment decision-making. Those commissioning and facilitating dental care for PLwD should ensure that suitably trained staff are available in accessible services to plan the necessary care and provide active treatment where appropriate. It is almost inevitable that more care will need to be commissioned to support this growing patient group. This need should be anticipated and planned for at a population and policy level to reduce the detrimental impacts of oral diseases and orofacial pain for PLwD.