[Geriatric dentistry: dental needs, problems, and expectations of residents of care homes].

PURPOSE

Elderly people deserve respect and the right to receive appropriate medical assistance. This work was undertaken to determine the stomatognathic status of residents of Care Homes, condition of their dental prostheses, their main dental problems, expectations and needs, with emphasis on aspects of prosthetic treatment and psychosocial status.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Altogether, 135 residents of the Care Homes were studied. It was found that the stomatognathic status of the residents was disappointing. The residents had problems with hygiene, their prosthetic appliances were in a poor condition, and they also experinced problems when using the prostheses. Prosthetic problems were noted in almost every resident of Care Homes.

RESULTS

Expectations as to dental care cannot be fulfilled without changing the national health care system. A relationship between satisfaction in life and extent of prosthetic needs, condition of prosthetic appliances, and problems with their use was found. A positive life history plays an important role in past dental care.

CONCLUSION

The psychosocial status of residents of Care Homes was poor.