Development of a framework for comprehensive oral health services provision to the Iranian older people

Abstract Background: The older people faces many Oral Health (OH) problems which have wide range of detrimental effects on their life from different aspects. Countries need to have an effective framework to deal with these problems. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop an effective framework to provide Comprehensive Oral Health Services (COHS) for the Iranian older people. Methods: First, a scoping review was done. In the second phase of the study, the viewpoints of 11 experts and service providers were collected through semi-structured interviews. Afterward, a panel of experts was held for designing COHS framework. Finally, a modified Delphi method was used to validate the designed framework. Results: The designed framework including seven main areas 1) the necessity of COHS 2) the process of providing COHS at different levels of service provision 3) the service package in each level of service provision and the composition of human resources required for them; 4) financing; 5) services providing assessment; 6) the role of organizations and communications to improve the OH and 7) Structures, policies and strategies for improving the OH older people. Conclusion: The designed framework in this study can be used as an effective policy/approach to policymakers so as to provide a roadmap for improving the OH status of the older people.