Comprehensive Dementia Care in Dentistry Training

The Comprehensive Dementia Care in Dentistry Training is designed to educate dental healthcare providers (DHCP) on the various types, stages, and symptoms of dementia. The term “dementia” refers to a broad range of symptoms that arise from brain damage caused by illness, injury, or disease. A decline and loss of memory, focus, and judgment, as well as the capacity for learning, problem-solving, and communication, are some of these symptoms. Furthermore, it is the general word used to describe all of the symptoms that arise from brain injury; it is neither a sickness in and of itself nor a typical aspect of aging.

What you will learn:

• Effective communication strategies tailored for patients with dementia
• The importance of patient-centered care in dentistry for individuals with dementia
• Managing challenging behaviors commonly seen in dementia patients
• The complexities of pain assessment in patients with dementia
• Common oral health problems in patients with dementia
• Ethical issues in providing care to patients with dementia
• The role of multidisciplinary teams in providing comprehensive dental care
• The role of caregivers in the oral health of patients
• The latest research in dementia care

Details

Course length: 45 minutes. Dental CEU: 0.75 CEU.

Languages: American English

Key features: Audio narration, learning activity, and post-assessment.

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Dentistry and Dementia

Dentistry as a profession developed independently from medicine and this may be why the mouth became an organ viewed separately from the rest of the body. This course explores the important connections that are especially important for people with dementia, as there is increasing evidence of the reciprocal relationships between oral and systemic health. Additionally, diabetes and inadequate glucose regulation pose serious risks for cognitive impairment. Patients who simultaneously have diabetes or poor glycemic control are more likely to experience hyperglycemia. This is because they may not fully comprehend the significance of a healthy diet and routine. As a result, poor dental hygiene increases the risk of periodontal inflammation. This then exacerbates diabetes and glucose intolerance, which in turn heightens the body’s inflammatory response to periodontal infections.

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms

Improvements in living standards and people’s quality of life have all led to a rise in life expectancy, resulting in an aging population. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for around 50–80% of dementia cases worldwide. Moreover, the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease worldwide has doubled during the past couple of decades. Alzheimer’s disease is classified by the World Health Organization as a neurological illness with an uncertain etiology that causes progressive memory loss and cognitive impairment. Older individuals may experience a steady loss of intellectual and social capabilities, which may interfere with everyday tasks. A diagnosis is typically determined based on a history of indications and symptoms. Elderly people may live for four to eight years after a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s. To learn more about the signs and symptoms to watch for in your dental patients, as well as important skills to benefit your dental practice when working with dementia patients, click the button below.