Can a Low-Threshold Check-Up Motivate Older Adults to Schedule a Dental Visit? A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVES

Oral disorders are an important disability driver in adults aged 70 and older, who often experience greater tooth loss and higher levels of untreated oral disease than younger persons. Despite the importance of regular dental visits, older adults attend dental services less frequently, facing several barriers. This study aimed to evaluate whether a low-threshold dental screening could increase the likelihood that older adults (≥ 65 years) contact a dental professional.

METHODS

A total of 194 community-dwelling adults aged ≥ 65 years without a dental check-up in the past 12 months were randomized (1:1) in a two-arm, single-blinded, controlled superiority trial. The intervention group received an oral screening, personalized oral health information, referral letters for a dentist and general practitioner, and a list of nearby dentists. The control group received only general oral hygiene flyers and a list of nearby dentists. The primary outcome was whether participants contacted a dental professional within 4 months following the intervention. Oral hygiene practices (i.e., tooth brushing frequency and use of brushing materials) were evaluated as secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

No evidence for an effect of the intervention on contact with a dental professional was found (risk difference = -0.01 (95% CI: -0.12; 0.10)). Within 4 months, 14% of control group participants and 12% of those in the intervention group reported contacting a dental professional, mostly due to urgent issues (e.g., pain or broken teeth), rather than the intervention itself. Among those who did not seek care (n = 133), 79% cited a lack of perceived need. Furthermore, no intervention effect was found regarding oral hygiene practices.

CONCLUSION

Motivating older adults to attend preventive professional dental care remains challenging. Greater integration of oral health into primary care, along with early-life promotion of positive oral health behaviours, is essential.