Study Protocol of a Cross-Sectional Study to Assess the Oral Health of and Oral Health Care for Older People Who Regularly Visit the Dental Practice

Little is known about the oral health of community-dwelling older people, as well as about which oral health care services dentists provide to these older people. It is also unclear to what extent general health issues play a role regarding this group of persons when it comes to maintaining good oral health and regular dental visits. Furthermore, much is unclear about the type and amount of care dentists offer to these people, which treatment strategies they apply, and whether they experience any barriers. These uncertainties have led to a study into the need for care of community-dwelling older people in general dental practices in the Netherlands as well as into the actual care dentists provide to this group of citizens.