The behaviour of the geriatric patient.

The geriatric patient is subject to singular stresses associated with old age. They include physical illness which is often multiple and chronic in nature; degenerative age changes which are part of the normal physiologic aging process and psychological and sociological disturbances. These factors and others mediated by the personality of the patient give rise to behavioral problems that influence the dentist's treatment plan and his ability to perform clinical procedures. An examination is made of this element in the dental situation and recommendations are outlined for its management.