Bulletin of Dental Education Article

In 2021, the Quinsigamond Community College (QCC) Dental Hygiene Program joined forces with the Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging, now known as Senior Connection, to provide preventive dental services to seniors across Massachusetts. Through this partnership, Senior Connection offered grant funding to cover oral health services for this vulnerable population, while QCC dental hygiene students delivered the care. This collaboration served as a pilot program, laying the groundwork for future partnerships to address the pressing issue of access to dental care for seniors in Worcester County and surrounding communities.

The partnership was designed to eliminate barriers to care by providing comprehensive dental hygiene services, including:

• Preventive oral health services covered by the QCC Dental Hygiene Clinic;
• Creation of senior-friendly print materials with large fonts;
• Translation of documents into languages such as Spanish, Albanian and Vietnamese;
• Stipends for student facilitators to assist non-English-speaking patients through real-time translation; and
• Transportation services to help seniors get to and from appointments.

Program Impact

The QCC Dental Hygiene Clinic has made a meaningful impact in the community, providing care to over 450 seniors aged 55 and older. Of these patients, 80% are 65 or older, with 20% aged 80 and above. Many seniors require multiple visits, resulting in more than 1,200 appointments completed to date.

By overcoming barriers such as language and transportation and delivering high-quality preventive care, the QCC Dental Hygiene Clinic is enhancing the oral health and overall well-being of seniors throughout Massachusetts.

Addressing the Oral Health Needs of Seniors in MA

In Massachusetts, approximately 22.9% of the population is aged 60 or older, and the number of seniors across the United States is projected to grow significantly. Between 2020 and 2060, the number of older adults is projected to increase by 69%, from 56 million to 94.7 million. This demographic shift highlights the pressing need to address critical issues related to seniors’ health, including oral health care.

Many seniors face significant barriers to maintaining their oral health. A substantial portion of adults lose dental insurance upon retirement, leaving them without coverage for essential dental services. Medicare, the primary health insurance program for seniors, does not cover routine dental care. This gap in coverage exacerbates oral health challenges faced by older adults. Statistics paint a sobering picture:

• 96% of adults aged 65 or older have experienced a cavity.
• 1 in 6 seniors have untreated tooth decay.
• Approximately 64% of adults 65 and older have periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss and has been associated with several health conditions, including heart disease and diabetes and respiratory illnesses.

Tooth loss, in turn, can lead to poor nutrition and impaired digestion, adversely affecting overall health and quality of life.

The elderly population remains one of the most underserved groups in health care. Financial constraints and lack of access to transportation often prevent them from receiving necessary care. Increasing access to oral healthcare is crucial for improving both the oral and overall health of seniors.

A Call to Action

As the senior population continues to grow, it is imperative to expand access to oral health care services. Programs like the one at QCC demonstrate how innovative solutions can make a measurable impact. Ensuring that all seniors have access to the dental care they need is not just a health issue but a matter of dignity and quality of life. Together, we can build a future where seniors can maintain their health, independence and well-being.

Courtesy of Quinsigamond Community College Dental Hygiene Program