Colorado Works Hard to Bolster Number the Number of Dentists Specializing in Geriatrics
Colorado is preparing for its aging population boom by expanding geriatric dental care through new training programs and fellowships. With the passing of Senate Bill 23-031, the state aims to improve oral health for older adults by equipping dentists with specialized skills.
Colorado has a large aging population with the number of residents older than 65 to reach 1.7 million by 2050. While the number of older adults residing in the state is growing rapidly, the number of healthcare providers with specialized knowledge of gerontology is not. Geriatric dental medicine focuses on preventing and managing oral health problems in older adults by addressing their unique needs with empathy, patience, and expertise.
Sarah Dirks, DDS, an associate professor and assistant director of the Advanced Clinical Training and Service Program at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine (CU SDM), emphasizes the importance of understanding the intersection of advanced medical procedures, medications, and oral health in older adults.
Senate Bill 23-031 aims to expand geriatric training opportunities for clinical graduate students, addressing the growing need for specialized care. Dirks, who completed a 2-year fellowship in geriatric dentistry, is passionate about working with older adults and sharing her expertise with the next generation of dentists. She teaches geriatric concepts to dental students and supervises at the CU Dental Senior and Special Care Clinic.
The CU SDM Geriatric Dental Medicine Fellowship, driven by Colorado’s initiative to develop the geriatric workforce, was established to prepare dentists to effectively manage and treat older adults with a range of disabilities and medical complexities. The fellowship has a comprehensive curriculum that includes advanced clinical geriatric and special needs dentistry, interprofessional care coordination, gerontology studies, dental public health, community outreach, and a capstone project.
As Colorado prepares to address the needs of its aging population, the CU SDM plans to support two fellows in training next year, continuing to expand the geriatric dental workforce and improve the oral health and quality of life for older adults. Click here to read more.
