As populations around the world age at an unprecedented rate, it is the responsibility of the dental profession to recognize the importance of geriatric dentistry. Older adults are retaining their natural teeth longer than any previous generation. Along with the complexity associated with a possible debilitated dentition, all treatments must be provided while managing complex medical conditions, polypharmacy, functional decline, and socioeconomic barriers.
Geriatric dentistry extends far beyond treating “older patients.” It requires a comprehensive understanding of aging as a dynamic process that affects oral tissues, systemic health, cognition, mobility, and decision-making capacity. Xerostomia from medications, root caries, periodontal disease, tooth wear, and oral manifestations of systemic illness are common challenges. However, the true complexity lies in balancing ideal treatment plans with what is realistic, ethical, and beneficial for the individual patient’s overall well-being.
Too often, dentistry remains procedure-focused rather than patient-centred, particularly for seniors. Aggressive restorative or implant-driven care may be technically feasible, yet clinically inappropriate when life expectancy, manual dexterity, financial constraints, or cognitive decline are not adequately considered. Geriatric dentistry emphasizes function, comfort, disease prevention, and quality of life over idealized outcomes. This approach requires humility, adaptability, and strong communication skills—particularly when engaging caregivers and interdisciplinary health teams.
Access to care remains one of the most pressing issues in geriatric dentistry. Frail elders with mobility limitations frequently experience barriers to dental services. With the overwhelming evidence linking oral disease to systemic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, aspiration pneumonia, and malnutrition, the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a good START. The CDCP has improved access to care based upon financial restrictions but should be enhanced to increase the number of recalls and services provided.
Geriatric dentistry represents the intersection of science, compassion, and social responsibility; the profession can ensure that aging with teeth is not merely a clinical achievement, but a humane one.
I would like to thank Oral Health for recognizing the importance of geriatric dentistry with this special issue.
About the author
Dr. Michael Wiseman completed his dental degree in 1985 at McGill University. He presently is a part-time Clinical Associ- ate Professor at McGill University Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Sciences. He has a full-time practice, and additionally provides care at a variety of long-term hospital centres in Montreal. He is the Founder of the McGill Outreach Program which provides free care to the needy of Montreal. Dr. Wiseman has lectured nationally and internationally and has published many peer reviewed papers and book chapters.