The purpose of this course is to provide nurses with information regarding oral manifestations of the aging process and their relationship with oral and systemic health to ensure the maintenance of optimum quality of life in older patients. In addition, members of the public may use this course to enhance their personal knowledge of the subject matter presented.
Upon completion of this course, you should be able to:
1. Discuss how the changing population demographics of the United States will feature a growing geriatric population.
2. Identify the correlation between oral health and systemic disease.
3. Describe common cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in the geriatric population and their effects on oral health.
4. Outline the implications of common chronic diseases on geriatric oral health.
5. Discuss the impact of oral and systemic cancers and various treatment modalities on the provision of dental care.
6. List common physiologic changes that occur during the aging process and their influence upon oral hygiene and oral health.
7. Cite the issues associated with cognitive impairment and oral health.
8. Describe how various issues create problems for access to dental care for older Americans.
This 5-hour continuing education course is available for download for professional development; if continuing education credit is desired, please see instructions included in eBook.
