Long-Term Burdens of Oral Health Problems Among Older Adults at Long-Term Care Facilities

Over 1.3 million older adults live in U.S. long-term care facilities (LTCFs); preliminary studies have shown that this vulnerable population has poor oral health. Dental care is not readily available at LTCFs. The majority of these patients lack dental insurance, which further reduces access to dental care. Many patients in LTCFs are dependent on others for the maintenance of oral hygiene, which is often undervalued. Poor oral health in LTCF residents may contribute to broader health issues, increased healthcare use, and higher costs, but this link hasn’t been studied on a societal level. This proposal aims to assess the prevalence of dental disease in LTCF residents and its impact on healthcare utilization compared to community-dwelling older adults. Using four national CMS datasets from 2020–2021, the study will apply a quantitative analysis to evaluate disparities in dental health and associated healthcare use. Results will help inform targeted advocacy, programs, and policies to improve oral health among underserved older adults in LTCFs.