Geriatric Dentistry: Challenges and Strategies for Improving Oral Care in the Elderly

Session

Dental Science

Description

As life expectancy continues to rise and demographic shifts reshape the population landscape in Kosova, geriatric dentistry is emerging as a vital pillar of the national healthcare framework. Oral health in older adults plays a crucial role in overall well-being and is closely linked to chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and neurodegenerative disorders. Despite this importance, the field of geriatric dentistry in Kosovo remains underdeveloped, marked by a lack of specialized public health policies, a shortage of trained professionals, and economic barriers that render oral healthcare inaccessible for a large segment of the elderly population. This study investigates the key challenges facing oral health in Kosovo’s aging population, analyzing socio-economic determinants, institutional capacities, and prevailing clinical practices. Drawing on a systematic review of literature and existing national data, the article proposes evidence-based strategies to enhance geriatric dental services. These strategies include increasing public awareness of oral health as a component of healthy aging, introducing targeted training programs for dental and healthcare professionals, and enacting inclusive public policies that secure sustainable funding for geriatric oral care through the national health insurance system. The findings underscore the urgent need for a redefined approach to geriatric dentistry in Kosova, one that embeds oral health into the broader continuum of holistic geriatric care. Advancing both access to and quality of dental services not only mitigates oral and systemic disease burdens but also enhances quality of life, preserves human dignity, and fosters functional autonomy in later life.

Keywords:

oral health, geriatric dentistry, Kosovo

Proceedings Editor

Edmond Hajrizi

ISBN

978-9951-982-41-2

Location

UBT Lipjan, Kosovo

Start Date

25-10-2025 9:00 AM

End Date

26-10-2025 6:00 PM

DOI

10.33107/ubt-ic.2025.134

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Oct 25th, 9:00 AM Oct 26th, 6:00 PM

Geriatric Dentistry: Challenges and Strategies for Improving Oral Care in the Elderly

UBT Lipjan, Kosovo

As life expectancy continues to rise and demographic shifts reshape the population landscape in Kosova, geriatric dentistry is emerging as a vital pillar of the national healthcare framework. Oral health in older adults plays a crucial role in overall well-being and is closely linked to chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and neurodegenerative disorders. Despite this importance, the field of geriatric dentistry in Kosovo remains underdeveloped, marked by a lack of specialized public health policies, a shortage of trained professionals, and economic barriers that render oral healthcare inaccessible for a large segment of the elderly population. This study investigates the key challenges facing oral health in Kosovo’s aging population, analyzing socio-economic determinants, institutional capacities, and prevailing clinical practices. Drawing on a systematic review of literature and existing national data, the article proposes evidence-based strategies to enhance geriatric dental services. These strategies include increasing public awareness of oral health as a component of healthy aging, introducing targeted training programs for dental and healthcare professionals, and enacting inclusive public policies that secure sustainable funding for geriatric oral care through the national health insurance system. The findings underscore the urgent need for a redefined approach to geriatric dentistry in Kosova, one that embeds oral health into the broader continuum of holistic geriatric care. Advancing both access to and quality of dental services not only mitigates oral and systemic disease burdens but also enhances quality of life, preserves human dignity, and fosters functional autonomy in later life.