Dental attitudes and perceptions of dental needs of the elderly and the relationship to medical problems

Date
1986
DOI
Authors
Heiden, Kathleen D.
Version
OA Version
Citation
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to survey the elderly patient population of a dental school in an attempt to better understand their dental attitudes and perceptions towards dental care. The current health status of the individuals was examined to see if any relationship could be found between current general health problems and dental attitudes and perceptions. Information about the sample population was obtained through a telephone survey as well as from Boston University School of Graduate Dentistry records. The responses were then grouped according to age and again according to medical problems reported. The results showed no difference in attitudes between the young old (65-74 years), and the old old (75 years and over). When the study population was grouped according to health problems, the differences found were not significant, and the health of the study group was generally good. For the most part the elderly were shown to have positive attitudes concerning their dental health, and an awareness of the continued need for dental care after the age of 65.
Description
PLEASE NOTE: This work is protected by copyright. Downloading is restricted to the BU community: please click Download and log in with a valid BU account to access. If you are the author of this work and would like to make it publicly available, please contact open-help@bu.edu.
Thesis (M.Sc.)--Boston University, Henry M. Goldman School of Graduate Dentistry, 1986 (Dental Public Health).
Includes bibliographical references: (leaves 49-50).
License
This work is protected by copyright. Downloading is restricted to the BU community. If you are the author of this work and would like to make it publicly available, please contact open-help@bu.edu.