Dental Care Services: Issues Among Older Persons in the Community

Aged persons in Australian society are known to be at risk of poor oral health. Previous quantitative research has suggested a socio-economic trend in use of services, yet factors that influence oral health behaviour and access to dental care services within this group are not fully understood. Objectives: The objective of this qualitative study was to explore perceptions, attitudes towards, and issues regarding oral health, and access to and utilisation of dental care services for selected groups of older persons. Methods: Data for this qualitative study were collected through structured focus groups, personal interviews, and telephone interviews. A total of 63 persons, aged between 59 and 92 years, from a range of socio-economic groups, participated in the study. Interviews and focus groups were tape-recorded, and extensive field notes were taken. The audio tapes were transcribed and analysed using N6 software. Results: The emergent themes from the data identified five major issues regarding the oral health behaviour of participants in this study, and their willingness and ability to access dental care services. These are: oral health care knowledge and knowledge of government-provided dental services; accessibility of private and public dental care services; fear and anxiety; cost and affordability of dental services; and interactions with dental service providers. Conclusions: Participating older persons living in the community believe that oral health is important. However, many consider that they do not require dental care if they have dentures, or are pain-free. Past negative dental experiences are associated with high levels of reported dental anxiety. Their discussions revealed the impact of experiences from many years previously. Study supported by University of Western Australia Small Grant and Department of Health WA