GeroQuest: a geriatric dental survey amongst dentists in Cologne/Germany

Method: 20% of 560 private dental offices in Cologne / Germany (n=113) were randomly selected. All dentists were asked by questionnaire about their geriatric dental experience, the knowledge about geriatric dental institutions, and an existing encouragement or any cooperation in geriatric dentistry. Moreover, participants were asked about the amount of geriatric patients, their opinion about organisation structures, the support and possible future involvement concerning geriatric dental care and treatment, especially regarding adequate wages or possible investment of time. Data analysis was done with SPSS 21.0 using one-way ANOVA (significance: p<.05).

Result: Dentists were aged between 25-76 years (mean: 48.42 years). The professional experience was 2-49 years (mean: 21.16 years). 90% of all participants were independent, half of them work single-handed, 1/3 with one collegue. One half has no dental specialization, the other half does have one ore more. The percentage of elderly patients in office was 28.92%. 50% of all dentists are involved in geriatric dental care and switched their dental office barrier-free, 40% cooperate interdisciplinarily with other medical specialists. Every second participant is willing to support geriatric dentistry when organized by dental chamber or by dentists on their own. Even 1/3 is willing to involve in mobile geriatric dental treatment in order to support dental care in nursing home residents, however only 10% own a portable dental unit.

Conclusion: Geriatric dental treatment is estimated most important by all interviewed dentists. The present involvement in geriatic dental care is modest, however the willingness especially in non-specialists is good. Thus we conclude that an adequate funding, the availability of a portable treatment unit and a raising aging population in urban areas might ensure an increase in future geriatric dental care.