How primary health care professionals and residents assess issues related to the oral health of older persons?

Background and objectives: It is known that older persons need integrated primary health care. However, oral health may not be a frequent concern of multi-professional teams taking care of older persons. The aim of the present study was to evaluate knowledge and practices related to oral health care, as reported by professionals and residents in a primary health care service. Material and methods: One hundred and seventy-three health professionals and residents were assessed in this cross-sectional study by means of a structured questionnaire containing questions pertaining to oral health practices and beliefs. Participants were grouped based on their professions into "primary health care dentists" or "other primary health care professionals" and based on their working status into "permanent team" or "residents". Results: Permanent team members (other professionals) assessed and recommended dental care more frequently than residents. Permanent team members (other professionals) also reported that they felt they were able to inform older patients in respect to oral health-related issues more frequently than did residents (68.7% vs. 31.3%, respectively). Conclusion: Oral health-related knowledge and beliefs were frequent among non-dentists primary health care workers, suggesting that primary health care which integrates oral health represents an attainable goal.