Educational Systems and the Continuum of Care for the Older Adult

This article outlines educational developments for adaptive and adapted work roles, current educational systems and practice, and aspects of educational research to illuminate issues for the future of geriatric oral health and well-being. The concept of work roles is used as a proxy to point up continuity of care issues, albeit limited, for patients/clients/consumers. Interdisciplinary learning for the initial education of dental providers/team members requires review with specific reference to geriatric care. Experienced dental and other health and social care professionals should review their roles in meeting the oral health needs of the aging cohorts. The relationship of dental schools/faculties in higher education institutions to those organizations that deliver education to various health and social care sectors-the personnel being at key points in the delivery of care-is also worthy of review.