The Gerontological Society of America's oral health initiative aims to enable older adults to maintain their oral health as part of a healthy aging process and to assist researchers, educators, practitioners, and policymakers in identifying areas of needed activity and research on the topic of oral health in older adults.

A key focus of the initiative is advancing the belief that helping older adults maintain good oral health involves oral health professionals and an interprofessional team of “oral health champions,” including primary care and specialty physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, social workers, psychologists, physical and occupational therapists, and others who can advocate for, educate about, and provide direct care supporting oral health.

This multi-faceted initiative is comprised of a variety of interrelated elements that aim to:

  • Implement oral health education for all health professionals.
  • Develop interprofessional practice opportunities.
  • Advocate for Medicare coverage for oral health services.
  • Creating oral health interprofessional champions.
  • Improving oral health in communities of need. 
  • Building a coalition to promote oral health.

The GSA Oral Health Interest Group provides an opportunity for members interested in the issue of oral health as an essential element of healthy aging to meet, exchange, information, and resources, and make contacts with persons who have similar interests.

Additional Information on this important topic is available from:

Karen Tracy, Vice President, Strategic Alliances & Integrated Communications

ktracy@geron.org | 703-624-5217

Jen Pettis, Director of Strategic Alliances

jpettis@geron.org | 518-368-9090

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