Dissertations and Theses @ UNI
Availability
Open Access Thesis
Keywords
Older people--Iowa--Polk County; Older people; Older people--Dental care; Iowa--Polk County;
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to identify the following characteristics of well elderly attending Polk County, Iowa senior centers: (a) oral health status, (b) perceived and evaluated treatment needs, and (c) utilization of dental services. An oral health screening of 176 senior center participants age 60 and older was used to assess each of the variables. Data suggested there was an increased rate of oral mucosal lesions and edentulousness (without teeth) for this population when compared to Iowans of similar age and oral health status. There was a perceived dental need by 60% of the population, and an evaluated routine treatment need identified in 76% of the population. However, only 33% of the seniors screened had received dental care within the last year and 32% reported no source for dental care. The need to develop a comprehensive oral health program for well elderly attending Polk County senior centers was identified. The program foci would include (a) oral health education for participants and providers, (b) a vigorous outreach program to access dental services, (c) an alternative method of financing care, and (d) an ongoing screening program to assess change of oral health status within the population. The recommended program would also provide an opportunity to conduct research on the effect of community resources on utilization of dental services, which has not been adequately examined for the elderly.
Year of Submission
1987
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
School of Health, Physical Education, and Leisure Services
First Advisor
Dennis Cryer
Second Advisor
Thomas M. Davis
Third Advisor
Patrick B. Moffit
Date Original
1987
Object Description
1 PDF file (124 leaves)
Copyright
©1987 Sandra Kaye Leggett
Language
en
File Format
application/pdf
Recommended Citation
Leggett, Sandra Kaye, "Oral Health Status, Perceived and Evaluated Treatment Needs, and Utilization of Dental Services by Well Elderly Attending Polk County Senior Centers" (1987). Dissertations and Theses @ UNI. 1788.
https://scholarworks.uni.edu/etd/1788
Comments
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