Working Together to Improve the Oral Health of Seniors: A Nova Scotia Project

Mary McNally, MSc, DDS, MA* Renée Lyons, PhD Pamela Magee, MA Elizabeth Tait, BSc Sandra Crowell, MPA Atlantic Health Promotion Research Centre *Faculty of Dentistry Dalhousie University SCD-IADO, Calgary August 25, 2004

PURPOSE

To develop an oral health action plan that will achieve continuity of oral health care for seniors in NS and elsewhere.

WHY SENIORS ORAL HEALTH?

Oral health impacts overall health and QOL Fastest growing segment of the population More seniors are retaining their teeth No policies and practices for managing seniors’ oral health care

TEAM MEMBERS

AHPRC Dalhousie University Faculty of Dentistry, Dalhousie University School of Dental Hygiene, Dalhousie University Nova Scotia Dental Hygienists Association Nova Scotia Dental Association Northwoodcare Inc.

Nova Scotia Senior Citizen’s Secretariat Nova Scotia Department of Health Manulife Financial Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto

PROJECT PHASES

Phase I Health Services Evaluation Phase II Promising Practices Scan Phase III Oral Health Policy Forum Phase IV Dissemination

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Research I - Seniors Oral Health Services Evaluation II - Promising Practices Scan

III - Oral Health Forum

Objectives:

Action Plan

Outcomes:

Share OHS findings Opportunity for dialogue Increased capacity to understand seniors’ oral health Research questions & initiatives Sustainable partnerships Prioritized strategies Role identification & developing strategies Research questions Model Policy Development Research Initiatives Collaborative Working Strategy IV - Dissemination

Welcome to Smileyville

An Overview of the Seniors’ Oral Health Services Evaluation

MEET SOME OF OUR CAST Pearly White Ima Caregiver Shirley A Senior Dr. Enamuelle

MULTISECTORAL WORKING GROUPS

KEY FINDINGS

MANY SECTORS are affected by findings Governments, seniors, insurance, long-term care, education, research, dentistry, health professionals AWARENESS: Oral health is overlooked as an essential component of overall health and quality of life by all sectors.

COLLABORATION is essential to ensure continuity of care

FINDINGS

No provincial or federal responsibility Lack of accessible services - especially rural areas Cost is a barrier Lack of research data Lack of education Many implications for policy development

WHAT DO WE NEED?

WHAT DO WE NEED?

Innovation in service delivery Creative financial solutions More research Education/training opportunities To raise awareness

WHAT NEXT?

ACTION PLAN

7 working groups established: OHS Collaboration Steering Committee Program Delivery Research Policy Development Public Awareness Education for Dental Students, Professionals Education for Non-Dental Care Providers

Collaborative Working Groups

THANK YOU TO OUR FUNDERS

Canadian Health Services Research Foundation NS Health Research Foundation Drummond Foundation Manulife Financial Dentistry Canada Fund NS Dental Association

“What will it take to leave no senior behind?”

Marsha Pyle, SCD - 2002

CONTACT INFORMATION

MARY MCNALLY Faculty of Dentistry, Dalhousie University Tel: (902) 494-1294 [email protected]

http://www.ahprc.dal.ca/oralhealth/Index.htm