Reference/Features

The older dental patient and the role of the dental nurse

10 mins read Elderly care
In this article, Paul Hellyer explains the age changes taking place in the UK population, discusses what it might mean to be an ‘older patient’ and describes how dental nurses can make visits to the dentist easier for them

Traditionally, the Queen sends cards of congratulation to those of her subjects who reach their 100th birthday. In 1983, she sent 2766 cards. By contrast in 2013, she sent 13 780—an increase of over 350% over the last 30 years. One third of babies born in 2013 are expected to reach 100 years of age. Today, if you reach 65, you will probably live till your mid 80s. There are now more than 11 million people aged over 65 in the UK, roughly the same number for 0–14 year olds (Office of National Statistics (ONS), 2014). Our patients are living for longer.

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