Cautley A J
Department of Restorative Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin.
N Z Dent J. 1992 Jul;88(393):88-94.
Gerodontology involves much more than the treatment of dental disease in people aged over 65 years. Using the definition of Ettinger, a relatively distinct group of individuals are defined. However, a slightly broader definition is perhaps more appropriate, to include those who are in any way handicapped in the receipt of dental treatment due to their age. This group of patients may become victims of ageist behaviour by dentists. This may influence their treatment options, and become a barrier to older patients receiving the full range of treatment they may require. However, the elderly generally consider oral health to be of low priority, and many, including those with identifiable problems, do not have a perceived need for care. The main barrier to their seeking treatment is their own attitude to their problems, and only a few experience barriers that otherwise prevent their utilisation of dental treatment. The dental needs of the elderly can be anticipated to rise as more retain their teeth, many of which will be heavily restored. The cost of this treatment must be met by someone; if the patient cannot afford it, the State may be asked to provide the funds. On present form, the response to this suggestion is likely to be unfavourable, but a cheap alternative to specialist care is not desirable, as it will only be able to partially perform the task. There is a need for research in a variety of aspects of gerodontology.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
老年牙科学所涉及的远不止是对65岁以上人群的牙齿疾病治疗。根据埃廷格的定义，界定出了相对独特的一群人。然而，或许采用一个稍宽泛些的定义更为合适，即涵盖那些因年龄因素在接受牙科治疗时以任何方式受限的人。这类患者可能会成为牙医年龄歧视行为的受害者。这可能会影响他们的治疗选择，并成为老年患者接受其可能所需的全面治疗的障碍。然而，老年人通常认为口腔健康并非优先事项，而且许多人，包括那些有明显问题的人，都没有意识到需要护理。他们寻求治疗的主要障碍是自身对问题的态度，只有少数人遇到其他妨碍他们利用牙科治疗的障碍。随着更多老年人保留牙齿，其中许多牙齿需要大量修复，预计老年人的牙科需求将会增加。这种治疗的费用必须由某人承担；如果患者负担不起，可能会要求国家提供资金。就目前情况而言，对这一建议的回应可能是不利的，但提供一种替代专科护理的廉价方式并不可取，因为它只能部分完成任务。老年牙科学的各个方面都需要进行研究。（摘要截选至250词）
