A dentist's social responsibility to diagnose elder abuse

Abstract

Because of the high prevalence of dental disease and consequent need for dental care in the elderly, dentists are in frequent contact with the elderly, thus providing an opportunity for realizing their social obligation to become more involved in diagnosing and reducing elder abuse. Current estimates of the incidence of elder abuse in the US indicate that nearly 10% of the elderly population is affected, and this incidence rate is steadily increasing. Problems of vague definitions regarding abuse, elusiveness of the problem, and limited interest on the part of health care professionals may have deterred dentists from more involvement in the past. Apathy, tunnel vision, and vested interests of dental professionals may also contribute to the poor oral health of the elderly and consequently decrease the elders' quality of life. However, by developing a clear understanding of possible etiologies and by knowing physical and behavioral indicators of abuse, dentists can better fulfill their moral and social obligations and greatly reduce the incidence of elder abuse.

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