2012 Check-up

In May 2003, the British Dental Association published Oral Healthcare for Older People: 2020 Vision. This policy document was produced in response to concerns from the BDA’s membership about whether those responsible for planning and delivering dental care were prepared for the evolving oral health challenges of the ageing population. The report made 21 recommendations to improve the oral healthcare of older adults. To date, the BDA considers that only seven of these recommendations have been met in full. With the NHS, public health and social care services in England in the middle of the most comprehensive reforms for over 60 years, the BDA has taken the opportunity to review its original report.

This short report provides a check-up on the 21 recommendations, and updates demographic information and recommendations for how commissioners and social care services can ensure that the oral health needs of their patients are met.

2003 Older People Report

In 2003 the BDA created the Oral Healthcare for Older People – 2020 Vision which examined the anticipated demographics of the older persons’ population in 2020 and their oral health characteristics. This forecast a vision of the supply of oral health services for older people in 2020 and made a number of recommendations which sought to ensure the needs of this group would be met. In 2010 the BDA has begun work to update this vision in light of the changes in the health services across the four nations.

The 2020 vision is available to download at the bottom of the page.

In addition to the policy paper an information leaflet for carers – Caring for older people’s teeth is available for download below.